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Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley has decided to step down after the state Commission on Prosecutorial Conduct recommended that she vacate her position following an investigation over a traffic stop last year.
On April 22, 2024, Doorley was stopped by Webster Police officer Cameron Crisafulli for speeding in a 35-mph zone. Captured on body-worn camera, Doorley is seen arguing with Crisafulli, insinuating her position would give her special treatment against a speeding ticket.
“I don’t care. I don’t really care,” Doorley says during the interaction. “You know what, if you give me a traffic ticket, that’s fine. I’m the one who prosecutes it, okay, just go ahead and do it. Go ahead.”
Doorley pleaded guilty to the speeding charge. At that time, before investigations began, experts speculated that Doorley could be disciplined or removed from office. She could also have been cleared of wrongdoing.
After multiple public apologies by Doorley, the Monroe County Board of Ethics determined she attempted to use her position to receive special privileges during the traffic stop. While the Monroe County Office of Public Integrity determined Doorley violated Monroe County’s Code of Conduct, Onondaga County District Attorney William FitzPatrick elected not to pursue further charges after being selected to review her conduct.
The Commission on Prosecutorial Conduct’s report represents the most recent development, recommending Doorley be publicly censured following the investigation. Doorley has agreed to the public censure.
“When a prosecutor engages in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice, especially illegal conduct that adversely reflects on the prosecutor’s honesty, trustworthiness, and fitness as a lawyer, public confidence in the justice system is undermined,” the report reads. “When the prosecutor engaging in that conduct is the elected District Attorney, the local official primarily responsible for the fair administration of justice in the State’s criminal courts, the risk to public confidence in the justice system is particularly acute.”
Doorley expressed her desire to step down, stating in deposition hearings that she wants a new district attorney for Monroe County. It is unclear, however, when exactly she aims to vacate her position.
“I know it’s time for me to go, and I’ve got that in motion,” she explained. “I’m just looking for the best transition for the next person to take over. I think it’s time that there should be a new DA.”
In a statement, Doorley’s attorney, Robert Masters, declined further comment on her future.
“Simply stated, today is not a day to discuss any future plans regarding Sandra’s prospective retirement,” the statement reads. “She will be certain to alert the public of any future plans at the appropriate time.”
According to the New York State Constitution, open vacancies can be filled should they occur up to three months before a November general election. Should Doorley vacate her seat after Aug. 4, Gov. Kathy Hochul would appoint an interim district attorney until a new candidate is elected.
Narm Nathan is a Rochester Beacon contributing writer and a member of the Oasis Project’s inaugural cohort.
The Beacon welcomes comments and letters from readers who adhere to our comment policy including use of their full, real name. See “Leave a Reply” below to discuss on this post. Comments of a general nature may be submitted to the Letters page by emailing [email protected].
Knowing she was on police body cam, I can only think of one thing that “allowed” her to act as she did….she was under the influence. I can’t think of anything else to explain her behavior.
Yes, a district attorney’s words and actions directed at law enforcement officers needs very careful examination. Yes, she needs to be held to higher standards especially in her interaction with the law enforcement officers.
She should have resigned immediately following her dreadful behavior. But she is leaving the area and to that I say good riddance.
I’m sorry Mike R, I believe elected public officials need to be held to a higher standard and Ms. Doorley clearly crossed the line. She can get on with her life, but not as the Monroe County DA.
Steve Gaudioso
Let me amplify this a bit.
The self-inflicted tragedy that has befallen us/our-society can not be healed by more and better hate, only by/through acts of compassion.
Here’s another run at this same idea. What matters now? Much more than anything else, it’s our posterity that matters. And that means focusing our attention upon what’s beneficial for our posterity. And what is beneficial for posterity is really very simple — keeping our posterity at the front of our mind as we contemplate each and every one of our actions.
Past hurts, past crimes, past hates — none of those thoughts benefit our posterity. Only love benefits our posterity. And that means we must learn to love, both ourselves and all others.
It’s really that simple.
Who among us has not made many mistakes? Certainly, not me.
There are many way to characterize a human life. One of the ones I like best is that we’re here to grow and learn from our mistakes.
Let’s show a little compassion . . .
Does this apply to Doorley if she had remained a Democrat?
Her behavior was disgraceful, demeaning and abusive. She should have resigned months ago.
(With apologies to the Kingston Trio…)
Hang down your head S. Doorley,
Hang down your head and cry,
Hang down your head S. Doorley,
Glad we can say Good Bye!
Amazing! A lifelong Republican (except for 6 years as a faux-Democrat) with the entitlement mentality so typical of that cult, is actually going to take responsibility for her actions!
Not soon enough for me and too late for taxpayers who lost many millions of dollars on her office’s bad prosecutions. When a police officer is found by a judge to have committed perjury, not only does she not prosecute, but she also uses him in another prosecution and hides this fact from the defense. Shame on those that endorsed her, voted for her, and those that do not vote. You are responsible too.