Photos: Lauren Raysor\Westchester DA
Lawyer Lauren P. Raysor is asking the Westchester District Attorney (above) to look into whether political favoritism was at play in the handling of a hit-and-run accident in Westchester.
Raysor is calling on Miriam E. Rocah, District Attorney, Westchester County, to investigate a hit-and-run accident that sent a 72-year-old woman to the hospital. A woman and two other drivers chased 25-year-old Gillian Getlan and blocked her in to prevent her from leaving.
The police arrived and the driver was apprehended, but not arrested.
“Over 40 days have passed by, and we are hoping that this case can now be thoroughly investigated,” Ms. Raysor said. “Likened to the Ahmaud Arbery case, we are seeking to determine if there has been political favoritism and obstruction of justice which delayed the swift prosecution of this matter. If there are any conflicts of interest that emerge, then a Special Prosecutor must be appointed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul.”
On October 19, 2021 at 5:19 p.m., Geraldine Sinceno, a retired hospice nurse, was hit by a car on North Avenue and 5th Avenue in New Rochelle. She suffered multiple injuries and was admitted to the trauma unit at Jacobi Hospital. Ms. Sinceno underwent surgery and is currently recovering in a nursing facility.
Ms. Getlan should have been arrested, but was only issued a summons for failing to show a driver’s license and insurance and leaving the scene of an accident. She was only given a desk appearance ticket. She is scheduled to appear at New Rochelle City Court, 475 North Avenue, New Rochelle on December 9, 2021.
In New York State, leaving the scene of an accident that results in bodily injury is a Class E felony with a maximum penalty of seven years in jail, and a $5,000 fine.
“The Sinceno family believes they have been treated unfairly in this investigation,” Ms. Raysor said. “I have called on Miriam Rocah, the Westchester District Attorney, to investigate this case. We believe that Gillian Getlan should be arrested.”
Ms. Raysor pointed out that Ms. Sinceno has been a pillar of the community, serving as a registered nurse for more than 20 years. “She worked very hard caring for those who were seriously ill or dying, even when the COVID-19 pandemic occurred,” she said. “It is only right that she and her family get the justice that they deserve. The family asks that you appear in Court on December 9, 2021 to support Geraldine Sinceno.”
For more information, call (914) 733-8080 or visit www.laurenpraysor.com.
