Monticello, NY – A Brooklyn man will avoid jail in a hit-and-run accident that resulted in the death of 50-year-old Julio Torres in July 2008 – reported HERE on YWN.

The 27-year-old Brooklyn resident, pleaded guilty Thursday to leaving the scene of an accident resulting in a death, a felony, in exchange for a sentence of five years probation.

The driver previously waived his right to a jury trial, and the case was proceeding to a bench trial before Judge Robert Sackett.

Fallsburg police were called around 6 a.m. by a cyclist who spotted Torres’ body near Pantel Electric Warehouse. The driver was charged hours later when police found a damaged car parked outside a home in South Fallsburg. Parts from the vehicle were found at the accident scene.

Reading a brief statement in court, the driver denied knowing he hit a person, but that he should have known and it was “wrong” that he did not stop.

“I deeply regret my conduct,” he said.

If convicted, he could have faced a maximum of 2 1/3-7 years in prison.

The driver appeared with family and his Manhattan attorney, Benjamin Brafman.

“He understands the gravity of what happened and the gravity of the offense,” Brafman said. He added that while the driver and his family felt remorse, he would not address the victim’s family until sentencing on Feb. 24.

“They have suffered a horrific loss,” Brafman said.

At the time of the accident, YWN spoke with the Fallsburg Police Chief Williams, who explained that although a tragic death occurred, people must be made aware of a few points which can save innocent people much hardship.

#1- “If you are involved in an accident, you MUST stop and wait for the police. THIS INCLUDES HITTING A DEER! There are no exceptions to this law. This was nothing more than an accident”, the chief told YWN.

“All that was needed was a police report, and questioning, and he would have been on his way. Accidents unfortunately happen, and that’s why they are called accidents. But leaving the scene is not an accident, and people must understand that if they are involved in an accident they MUST call and await the arrival of the police.”

#2- “This tragic incident should be a wake-up call for the many folks who do their exercise, or take leisure-strolls along the country roads. This is not NYC, and there are no sidewalks,” Williams said. “People need to use extreme caution while walking on roads, and reflectors should be worn during early morning, and evening hours”.

“Unfortunately, drivers are constantly swerving to avoid pedestrians walking carelessly on the roadways – and not on the shoulders where they belong”.

#3- “Drivers should be extra cautious for pedestrians walking along the roadways, and should always maintain the posted speed limits.”

(Source: Times Herald Record / YWN-112)