Suffolk man faces aggravated vehicular homicide charges after work zone crash that killed worker
Prosecutors say the 26-year-old was impaired by drugs last month when he drove the wrong way at a high rate of speed, blew a red light and crashed into a work zone at the intersection of Townline Road and Terry Road.
New details and additional charges in connection with the crash that killed one road construction worker and injured two others.
Thomas Lobianco was back in front of a judge to answer to a long list of new charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide.
"It was all preventable," Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.
Prosecutors say the 26-year-old was impaired by drugs last month when he drove the wrong way at a high rate of speed, blew a red light and crashed into a work zone at the intersection of Townline and Terry roads.
Three road construction workers, all in safety vests, were hit. Joel Sicon-Porix, of Mastic, was killed.
"He leaves three children behind, a loving family," Tierney said. "They are obviously devastated."
Prosecutors say surveillance video from a nearby 7-Eleven, where Lobianco worked the overnight shift, showed the Lake Ronkonkoma man swaying, stumbling and nearly falling multiple times.
"He feels horrific that one individual lost their life, and we have two other individuals that were seriously injured," said Robert Macedonio, Lobianco's attorney.
Investigators say a switchblade knife was recovered from Lobianco's vehicle. Cannabis, clonazepam and other drugs were found in his backpack.
"Experts will tell you that when you take these substances together, there's a synergistic effect which makes the overall effect even more impairing," Tierney said.
"We do not have the finalized results and they are not yet complete," Macedonio said. "So any indication of what the levels of intoxication were, we cannot draw any conclusions at this time."
The judge set bail for $7.5 million cash or $15 million bond.
Lobianco's license was suspended.
He faces 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison if convicted.
He's due back in court on Oct. 14.
