Man Indicted on 19 Charges in Fatal Car Southern State Crash

A Freeport man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to 19 charges stemming from a crash on the Southern State Parkway in April that killed one person and seriously injured two others, according to the Nassau District Attorney's office.

Jonathan Sobrane, 37, was arraigned before Acting Supreme Court Justice Helene Gugerty on the following charges:

• two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide
• first degree vehicular manslaughter
• second degree manslaughter
• three counts of aggravated vehicular assault
• two counts second degree assault
• second degree vehicular manslaughter
• three counts of first degree vehicular assault
• two counts of second degree vehicular assault
• operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs as a felony
• operating a motor vehicle while impaired by combined use of drugs or of alcohol and any drug or drugs as a felony
• second degree reckless endangerment
• reckless driving

Sobrane pleaded not guilty and bail was set at $500,000 cash or bond, according to the DA. He could face up to 25 years in prison.

He is due back in court on June 20.

On April 17, Sobrane was driving eastbound on the Southern State Parkway in Malverne in a white 2004 Acura with three passengers in the car at about 3:40 a.m., the DA said. The group was returning from a club in New York City.

He was weaving across three lanes of traffic and driving in exit and entrance ramps to pass other drivers, according to the DA.

As he changed lanes, he clipped the back of a white 2006 Toyota Highlander traveling in the same direction, which caused Sobrane’s car to spin off the road, hit trees and uproot a light pole, the DA said.

Vito Errico, of Oceanside, was ejected from the backseat and was found with the light pole across his chest. The 22-year-old died as a result of his injuries.

A 23-year old woman in the passenger seat suffered massive lacerations to her head that left her skull exposed and a fractured femur. A 21-year old man in the backseat sustained a broken arm and finger.

Sobrane, who was not injured, was arrested at the scene by State Police.

“Far too many drivers are turning our highways into their own personal racetracks,” Nassau District Attorney Madeline Singas said. “This crash was incredibly violent and the lives of the victims and their family members are forever changed.”