Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley is under scrutiny following a heated traffic stop that was captured on police bodycam footage, leading to calls for an investigation by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The entire Rochester City Council has expressed concerns over Doorley’s conduct, which involved speeding and a contentious interaction with police officers.
The incident occurred when Doorley, driving 55 mph in a 35 mph zone, was pursued by Webster Police to her home after she refused to stop. Upon arriving at her residence, Doorley engaged in a verbal altercation with the officer, demonstrating resistance and mentioning her role as the district attorney to assert authority. She even went as far as calling Webster Police Chief Dennis Kohlmeier during the stop, requesting him to intervene and tell the officers to leave her alone.
The City Council’s letter to AG James highlighted that public officials are expected to adhere to the highest standards of ethics and respect for the law, which they believe Doorley violated. The bodycam footage shows Doorley dismissively handing her phone to the officer and telling him to “just go away,” which the council argues undermines the credibility and integrity of the justice system, eroding public trust.
Following the incident, Doorley did acknowledge her mistake and paid a fine after pleading guilty to speeding in municipal court. She expressed a belief in accepting responsibility for her actions and stated she did not intend to use her position for personal benefit. However, the released footage paints a different picture, showing her attempt to leverage her position to avoid a ticket.
This call for an investigation by the state attorney general aims to address potential misconduct and ensure that public officials do not misuse their power for personal advantage. The situation remains a point of contention as it reflects broader issues of accountability and the appropriate conduct expected from those in public service.