DA: Man Pleads Guilty in Hit-and-Run That Killed Lynbrook Man

A Baldwin man has pleaded guilty in a hit-and-run that killed a Lynbrook man in August, according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s office.

Cosmin Florea, 43, pleaded guilty to second-degree vehicular manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident without reporting, two counts of DWI, and DWAI by the combined use of alcohol and drugs, the DA said.

A judge committed to sentencing Florea to seven years in prison in exchange for the guilty plea, the DA said. He is due to be sentenced May 12.

On Aug. 15 at 11:57 p.m., Donald Mooney, 49, was crossing Main Street in Port Washington near South Bayles Avenue when he was struck by an oncoming car, driven by Florea, officials said.

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Florea left the scene and was later stopped in Queens after NYPD noticed his car had significant front-end damage, cops said in August.

NYPD handed Florea over to Port Washington Police, where officials performed toxicology tests, officials said. More than three hours after the collision, Florea was found to have a .13 blood alcohol content and had active marijuana in his blood, the DA said.

Mooney, a dispatcher for Delux Transportation taxi service, was rushed to North Shore University Hospital but died hours later, officials said.

“Florea was drunk and high when he struck and killed Donald Mooney, who was just crossing the street to go back to work with cups of coffee for himself and a co-worker,” said Acting DA Madeline Singas. “Florea thought only of himself after the crash. He fled the scene and made no effort to get help for Mr. Mooney who lay dying in the street. I hope this conviction gives some small measure of comfort to Mr. Mooney’s grieving family and friends.”

Photo: Scene of the accident. Credit: Google Maps

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