ICYMI: Driver arrested in wake of fatal head-on in Lewis County takes plea deal in court

LOWVILLE- The man authorities have deemed responsible in a fatal head-on crash over the winter appeared in Lewis County Court on Tuesday and took a plea deal.

According to the latest updates from WWNY-TV, Gabriel Moore, 51, of Constableville, NY pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter and aggravated driving while intoxicated.

Moore was originally charged with aggravated vehicular manslaughter.

The crash occurred in late January on State Route 12 in the town of Martinsburg.

Police investigators said that Moore registered a .19% BAC, which is over twice the legal limit.

Mark Vaughn died in the collision. His wife, Debra, however, survived and attended in court on Tuesday.

According to reports, Moore’s plea deal carries a minimum sentence of probation and a maximum sentence of 5 to 15-years behind bars.

While speaking with reporters, Debra said that she wants Moore to be held responsible for his actions.

She also accused Lewis County District Attorney Jeff Tompkins of sparse communications and no consultation during the negotiations.

On the other hand, DA Tompkins told reporters that he had advised Debra of the plea deal earlier this spring regarding potential issues he thought could arise with obtaining a conviction for the original top charge.

Moore is scheduled for sentencing come late July.

Lewis County Courthouse image.