LI Driver Indicted For LIE Crash That Disabled State Trooper

The West Islip, NY man accused of crashing into a state trooper who was helping a disabled motorist on a Long Island Expressway overpass has been indicted and arraigned on assault charges in the distracted-driving case, Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr announced.

The Westchester DA’s Office is handling the prosecution against Jesse Cohen.

It was appointed Special Prosecutor after Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office recused themselves due to a conflict, Scarpino said.

In December 2017, Trooper Joseph Gallagher, then 35, was seriously injured on the overpass ramp from the westbound LIE to southbound Sagtikos Parkway.

The indictment alleges that data from Cohen’s phone shows the 21-year-old sent and received dozens of text messages in a number of separate conversations in the 20 minutes leading up to the crash. Though other cars had moved around the disabled car and Gallagher had set out flares, Cohen plowed into him, prosecutors said.

Today, Gallagher remains under constant care in a rehabilitation hospital on Long Island. Because of his severe injuries, he cannot walk, talk or eat on his own, Scarpino said.

“Texting while driving is dangerous for the driver, other motorists and our first responders who are working to protect the driving public," said Major David Candelaria, New York State Police Troop L Commander. "The deaths and injuries caused by distracted driving are 100 percent preventable. This crash that severely disabled Trooper Gallagher was preventable. We urge all drivers to put down your device. Your choice could save a life.”

A Suffolk County Grand Jury indicted Cohen on Assault in the Third Degree with Criminal Negligence, a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in prison.

The 23-year-old was arraigned in Suffolk County Court in Central Islip Tuesday and released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court May 7, Scarpino said.