PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release on February 9, 2007 Contact: William J. Smith (718) 556-7150
William.Smith@rcda.nyc.gov

D.A. Donovan: Stapleton Man Convicted of 3rd Felony DWI, First Islander Convicted Under New “Aggravated DWI” Law
*** Warner Combs, 62, Enters Guilty Plea to Felony DWI Charges, 6th DWI Conviction Since 1986***

     STATEN ISLAND, NY - Richmond County District Attorney Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. today announced that Warner Combs, 62, of Stapleton, has entered a guilty plea to Aggravated DWI, a class D felony, his third felony, and sixth overall conviction for alcohol related offenses. As part of a plea entered before Justice Leonard Rienzi in State Supreme Court, the defendant will be sentenced to a prison term of 1 ½ to 4 ½ years on March 2, 2007.

     Combs was arrested on December 30, 2006 at approximately 3:48 pm in front of 355 Bard Avenue, West Brighton. Arresting officers observed him to be swaying on his feet, slurring his speech and smelled of alcohol. He was also found to be in possession two half-empty cans of beer and a half bottle of vodka. Upon testing, his Blood Alcohol Content was found to be .199, over twice the legal limit of .08. Combs had been previously convicted of felony DWI charges in 2002 and 2004; as well as misdemeanor charges; once in 1999 and twice in 1986. For his 2004 conviction, Combs was sentenced to one year in jail.

     Combs’ conviction represents the first conviction on Staten Island under a package of anti-drunk driving laws signed into effect by Governor George E. Pataki last year. Part of the legislation created the crime of aggravated DWI for drunk drivers who operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .18 or higher; to which Combs’ today pleaded guilty.

     “Warner Combs is the first person to be convicted under tougher laws enacted against drunken drivers last year, sadly he will not be the last” stated District Attorney Donovan, “The prospect of a lengthy prison term should serve as ample deterrent for those who repeatedly engage in this behavior.”

     The case against Combs was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Adam Silberlight of the Supreme Court Bureau; under the supervision of Paul A. Capofari, Chief of the Supreme Court Bureau. The defendant is represented by Michael Harding, Esq.

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