Prison For Fleeing The Scene Of Deadly 2024 Crash

HAVERSTRAW, NY — A driver whose bad decisions led directly to the death of a 73-year-old pedestrian, has learned her fate.

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh, II announced that 26-year-old Rosana DiPaola, of Pomona, was sentenced on Tuesday to one to three years in state prison, after previously pleading guilty to leaving the scene of an incident resulting in death, second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and circumvention of an interlock device.

At the time of DiPaola's plea and at her sentencing, the DA's Office recommended the maximum sentence of two-and-one-third to seven years in state prison.

According to prosecutors, on January 26, 2024, around 6:30 a.m., DiPaola drove a silver Volkswagen Passat on Thiells Mt. Ivy Road, in the Town of Haverstraw, and struck a pedestrian causing him to collide onto a black Jeep Wrangler. DiPaola then fled the scene and never reported the accident.

The license plate of the Volkswagen came off of DiPaola’s car during the incident and was left at the scene. Town of Haverstraw police were then able to use the license plate during their investigation, which resulted in her arrest.

Authorities say that DiPaola's actions led to the death of 73-year-old Daniel Deserio.

"The actions of the defendant on that day resulted in the death of a Rockland County resident and father," Walsh said. "Traffic laws are in place to protect both drivers and pedestrians. The defendant had a prior driving under the influence conviction from 2018. At the time of this accident her driver's license was revoked and she was operating the vehicle without an ignition interlock as required based on that previous conviction. She will now be held accountable for her actions. I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased victim. My office will continue to vigorously prosecute these cases and request stern and just sentences."