New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul has called for an investigation into Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley after bodycam footage of a traffic stop involving Doorley was released. The footage shows Doorley driving 55 mph in a 35 mph zone and being followed by an officer to her home. The interaction between Doorley and the officer became heated, with Doorley calling the police chief and refusing to comply with the officer’s requests. Hochul referred Doorley to the Commission on Prosecutorial Conduct, stating that her actions undermine her ability to hold others accountable for breaking the law.
Doorley defended her actions, stating that she was not paying attention to her speed and accepted the speeding ticket that was issued the following day. She pled guilty and sent the ticket to the Webster Town Court, emphasizing that she believes in accepting responsibility for her actions and not using her position for personal benefit. Doorley reiterated her commitment to the safety of the community and her respect for law enforcement, stating that she stands by her work in ensuring public safety in Monroe County.
Hochul’s decision to investigate Doorley has received support from the Rochester City Council, which has called for the New York Democrat Attorney General Letitia James to also conduct an investigation. The council expressed concerns about Doorley’s fitness to serve as District Attorney based on the incident and questioned her ability to uphold the law. The state commission has the authority to review and investigate prosecutors’ conduct, including holding hearings, subpoenaing witnesses, and recommending sanctions to the attorney grievance committee.
The bodycam footage shows Doorley displaying hostility towards the officer conducting the traffic stop, questioning why she was being pulled over and refusing to comply with his requests. The incident has raised concerns about Doorley’s behavior and ethics as a public official, with Hochul describing her actions as attempts to evade responsibility and claiming to be above the law. The investigation will determine whether Doorley violated any ethical standards in her capacity as District Attorney and investigate her conduct during the traffic stop.
Doorley’s statement acknowledging her speeding and acceptance of the ticket contrasts with the footage of the exchange with the officer, where she displayed animosity and attempted to use her position to evade consequences. Hochul commended law enforcement officers for their dedication to protecting New Yorkers and emphasized the importance of prosecutors carrying out their duties with the highest ethical standards. The investigation into Doorley’s conduct will assess whether she acted in accordance with her responsibilities as District Attorney and determine any necessary sanctions based on the findings of the commission.
The incident involving Doorley has sparked controversy and raised questions about her professionalism and commitment to upholding the law. The investigation initiated by Hochul and supported by the Rochester City Council and Attorney General Letitia James will shed light on Doorley’s actions and determine the appropriate course of action based on the evidence gathered. The outcome of the investigation will have implications for Doorley’s reputation as a public official and her ability to serve as District Attorney, as well as the standards of conduct expected from prosecutors and law enforcement officials in New York.
