Saratoga County District Attorney Karen A. Heggen announced today that Richard T. Irelan (DOB 03/16/1978) of Johnstown, NY entered a plea of guilty to Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a “Class D” felony under Penal Law Section 125.12(1) in the Saratoga County Court before the Hon. James A. Murphy, III.
The charges against Irelan stem from a tragic incident that occurred on July 30, 2023, in the Town of Wilton. While operating a Harley Davidson motorcycle erratically, Irelan rear-ended a pickup truck on the I-87 Exit 15 southbound off ramp. The impact from the crash resulted in the ejection of the passenger on the Defendant’s motorcycle. The victim, identified as Amanda Sullivan, was rushed to Saratoga Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.
At the scene, an investigation by the New York State Police determined that Irelan was intoxicated at the time of the crash. A subsequent blood test revealed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .09% and the presence of cannabis in his system.
The investigation was conducted by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations and the Troop G Collision Reconstruction Unit. Senior Assistant District Attorney Shawn Lescault handled the prosecution.
District Attorney Karen Heggen commented, “This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of operating a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of Amanda Sullivan, who lost her life in this senseless and preventable tragedy. We will continue to advocate for justice and hold accountable those responsible for such devastating outcomes.”
Sentencing for Richard T. Irelan is scheduled for January 16, 2024 at 2 p.m. where he is expected to receive an indeterminate sentence of between 2 and 6 years in a state correctional facility.