Atlantic Beach Man Gets Prison for Driving High on Heroin

An Atlantic Beach man was ordered to serve time in prison this week after driving twice while high on heroin, according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s office.

Robert Kozak, 38, was sentenced Thursday to spend up to seven years in prison by Justice Patricia Harrington, the DA said.

Kozak pleaded guilty to DWAI, DWAI with combined drugs and alcohol, first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, officials said.

Kozak admitted in court that he was high on heroin when he was caught twice within a three-month period in October 2014 and January 2015, officials said.

After Kozak rear-ended another car stopped at East Park Avenue and Monroe Boulevard, officers found his arms were bleeding from recent track marks, officials said. Responders also believed he was high on heroin but Kozak refused a blood test, officials said.

On Jan. 15, Kozak was seen asleep at the wheel while driving on Lakeview Avenue in Lynbrook, the DA said. He then woke up and drove erratically toward Merrick Avenue before he was stopped by Lynbrook Police, officials said. Again, Kozak had fresh track marks on his arms, the DA said. His license had been revoked after the incident in October, officials said.

“Each time Mr. Kozak got behind the wheel while high on heroin, he was playing Russian Roulette with other people’s lives,” Acting DA Madeline Singas said. “Thankfully, this defendant’s repeated disregard for the safety of others did not result in injury or death. This sentence is proof of my office’s commitment to holding drugged and drunk drivers accountable, especially as we approach what are the deadliest days of the year for these types of crimes.”

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