The criminal case against former Southold teacher Diane O’Neill was adjourned again yesterday at the request of the district’s attorney’s office, which said its investigation is still ongoing and it is not yet ready to proceed.
O’Neill, 65, of Farmingville, is charged with one count of driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor, following the Main Road, Jamesport motor vehicle accident that claimed the life of 92-year-old pedestrian George Kurovics on the evening of Jan. 13.
It was O’Neill’s first offense and remains pending in Riverhead Town Justice Court. The lab analysis of O’Neill’s blood drawn after the accident indicated a blood alcohol content of .08 percent, according to court records.
Prosecutors have not yet decided whether they will upgrade the charge against O’Neill, a spokesman for District Attorney Thomas Spota said. The district attorney’s office has not concluded its investigation, spokesman Bob Clifford said. Upgraded charges, including a possible felony charge, may be filed will be made after the collision reconstruction work is finished, Clifford said.
The case was adjourned to June 2. Defense attorney Eileen Powers sought and obtained a waiver of her client’s appearance in court next month, as it is understood no action will be taken at that time.
At the last court appearance March 9, Powers obtained a court order directing that her client’s driver’s license be restored.
Shortly after the accident, O’Neill retired from her teaching job of more than 20 years in the Southold school district. She was “a well-loved and highly respected” math teacher, Southold School Superintendent David Gamberg said.
O’Neill remains free on $10,000 bail. She accompanied in the courtroom yesterday by her son Sean, who posted bail for her the morning after the crash.
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.
