Reckless driver charged for death after motor vehicle crash — police car bigstock

Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy D. Sini today announced the guilty plea of a Coram man for killing a man in a motor vehicle crash as well as the illegal possession of a weapon and drugs.

Malcolm Stewart, 29, pleaded guilty today to Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a class A-1 felony; Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a class C felony; and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a class C felony.

“This individual had been driving recklessly through the area, hitting speeds of up to 94 mph immediately prior to the crash,” District Attorney Sini said. “Not only did his actions result in a senseless tragedy, but he was also in possession of a loaded firearm and a significant quantity of drugs, including a mixture of heroin and fentanyl. Today’s plea holds him accountable for these crimes and serves justice for the victim and his loved ones.”

At approximately 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 3, Stewart was driving a 2014 Mercedes-Benz northbound on County Road 101 in Medford at a high rate of speed when he ran a red light and struck a 2021 Chevrolet that was making a left turn onto Station Road. The driver of the Chevrolet, James Palumbo, 56, of Yaphank, was transported to Long Island Community Hospital in East Patchogue where he was pronounced dead.

When police officers arrived at the scene of the crash, Stewart was found in possession of a loaded .45 caliber handgun. Stewart was also found in possession of narcotics, including approximately 4.17 ounces of cocaine, 4.29 ounces of heroin and fentanyl, and .38 grams of Oxycodone.

Stewart is scheduled to be sentenced by Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro on Aug. 3. He is expected to be sentenced to 15 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision. He is being represented by Steven Wilutis.

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