Commission recommends Doorley be censured for 2024 traffic stop

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Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley has been publicly censured for what was viewed by many as belligerent and haughty behavior during a 2024 traffic stop in the town of Webster and apparently intends to resign.

The New York State Commission on Prosecutorial Conduct ruled Doorley’s actions — including the use of profanity toward Webster police officers and demands to be left alone — on April 22, 2024, presented a “particularly acute” risk to public confidence in the justice system.

As a result, the 11-member commission said “condemnation of the prosecutor’s misconduct should be clear and public.”

But Doorley, who has served as the county’s top law enforcement official and has been practicing law for 32 years, told the commission back in March that she intends to hand over the reins to the office soon.

“I know it’s time for me to go, and … I’ve got that in motion,” Doorley told the commission during a deposition in March. “I’m just looking for the best transition for the next person to take over.

“I think it’s time that there is — that there should be a new D.A. So I would just ask you … just let me ride off into the sunset.”

The commission, in a decision released Tuesday along with documents from the case, found that Doorley:

• “engaged in illegal conduct that adversely reflects on her honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer;”

• “engaged in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice;”

• “stated or implied an ability to achieve results using means that violate the Rules of Professional Responsibility or other law;” and

• “engaged in conduct that adversely reflects on her fitness as a lawyer.”

The censure must be accepted by the state’s Attorney Grievance Committee for it to become official. The sanction does not impact her ability to practice law or to continue to serve as district attorney, a position she has held since 2012.

Doorley’s behavior toward Webster police officer Doorley Cameron Crisafulli and other members of the department was caught on body camera and released to the public a few days later.

The commission’s report shows she was clocked on radar driving 55 mph in a 35 mph zone on Phillips Road, and refused to pull over when Crisafulli attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Doorley instead continued to drive to her home on Fallen Leaf Terrace.

Crisafulli pulled into her driveway behind her and over the next more than 30 minutes Doorley refused lawful orders, told the officer she didn’t care that she was speeding, demanded that he phone Webster Police Chief Dennis Kohlmeier and told the officer “I’m not dealing with you right now.”

When Crisafulli said he didn’t understand the hostility and that he was merely doing his job, Doorley said “You’re being an (profanity)” and asserted that she was “the D.A. of Monroe County.”

The commission’s report said Doorley expressed regret for her actions and that her words and behavior “created the appearance that she was using her position as district attorney to receive special treatment.” She also told the commission she is well aware that no one is above the law.

“I can’t deny what’s on that video,” Doorley told the commission. “It is what it is. And I’m ashamed. I’ll carry that with me the rest of my life.

“But what I (also) will carry with me is what I’ve done for crime victims in the community.”

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This article has been updated.