Traffic Complaint Ends in Leandra’s Law Arrest with .28 BAC for Suspended Driver

Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty reports the arrest of a Pennsylvania resident on felony DWI charges  following a traffic stop.  

On May 6th, 2022 at approximately 8:31pm, Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the area of Interstate 390, in the Town of  Avon, for the civilian report of a vehicle that was all over the road while traveling in the northbound lanes. Sheriff’s Investigator Connor Sanford did locate the reported vehicle and conducted a traffic stop after observing a violation of  the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law. Deputy Justin Hilt, who was assigned to the Sheriff’s Office STOP DWI Unit, also  responded to scene of the traffic stop to assist.  

The operator of the vehicle was identified as Kionna M. Speed, age 33 from Clarion, PA. During the encounter, the  Sheriff’s Deputies suspected that Speed was under the influence of alcohol. A DWI investigation was launched, which  included the performance of standardized field sobriety tests. At the conclusion of the roadside investigation, Speed was  taken into custody for DWI.  

During the investigation, it was also discovered that Speed did have a passenger in the vehicle that was under the age of  sixteen (16) years old. Speed was also found to be operating with a suspended NY Driver’s License.  

Speed was then transported to the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters in Geneseo, where she was offered a breathalyzer to  determine her blood alcohol content (BAC). Deputy Jessica Carnevale of the Jail Division did administer the test which  revealed that Speed had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .28%.  

Speed was arrested and charged with felony Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (Leandra’s Law), Endangering the  Welfare of a Child, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the Third Degree, as well as additional Violations of the NYS  Vehicle and Traffic Law.  

Speed was transported and turned over to Central Booking Deputies at the Livingston County Jail for processing and pre arraignment detention. The offenses did qualify for arraignment as the Judge can invoke driving restrictions however,  the Judge cannot set bail under the NYS Justice Reform Act. 

Speed was later arraigned at the Livingston County Centralized Arraignment Part (LC-CAP) at the Livingston County Jail  before Town of Groveland Justice Love. The Judge did release Speed on her own recognizance per the law to return to  court at a later date and Deputies did set her free. 

The Livingston County Public Defender’s Office was present and represented Speed at the court arraignment for her  defense. The Livingston County District Attorney’s Office was notified but did not appear to represent the people.