Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly announced on April 14 several recent convictions related to driving while intoxicated (DWI) cases in the county.
The announcement details the sentencing of multiple individuals for DWI offenses, highlighting ongoing efforts to address impaired driving. The report underscores the legal consequences faced by those convicted and draws attention to the impact such incidents have on victims and their families.
Donna Scott, age 49 of Albany, was sentenced on March 24 to one to three years in state prison after pleading guilty to Vehicular Assault in the Second Degree, a Class E Felony, as well as misdemeanor DWI. According to Donnelly, Scott had a blood alcohol content of .14 when she attempted an illegal U-turn on Interstate 90 on April 21 last year. The maneuver resulted in a two-car accident with three passengers injured—one sustaining a severe back injury that left them wheelchair-bound for months. One of Scott’s passengers was a minor.
Brittany Anderson, age 35 of Averill Park, received five years of felony probation after pleading guilty to Aggravated DWI—a Class E Felony—on March 31. Anderson had prior convictions and two children were present in her vehicle at the time of arrest. Assistant District Attorney Chloe Montano prosecuted both cases for the district attorney’s office.
Other individuals who pleaded guilty this year include Lashawn Ruggiero (51) of Albany; James Romand (34) of Delanson; and Craig Littlefield (38) of Johnsonville.
The announcement also notes that National Crime Victims Week takes place every April, focusing on supporting survivors while promoting awareness and prevention efforts. Each year, the Rensselaer County District Attorney marks Crime Victims Week with a ceremony at the DWI Memorial located at the corner of 13th and Congress Streets in Troy. This year’s memorial ceremony is scheduled for April 21 at noon and is open to all members of the public.
