The New York State Commission on Prosecutorial Conduct on Tuesday announced its findings into Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley’s conduct during a 2024 traffic stop — and said Doorley, under oath, testified she plans to vacate her office.
In a 13-page report, the 11-member commission recommended that Doorley be publicly censured for failing to comply with a routine traffic stop in Webster and other misconduct. The panel said Doorley acknowledged her behavior warranted censure and confirmed during testimony that she intends to leave her role as DA. No timeline for her departure was included.
“District Attorney Doorley’s conduct created the appearance that she is above the law,” said Susan Friedman, administrator of the commission. “A public censure is the appropriate sanction to restore public confidence.”
Doorley responds: ‘Not the day to discuss future plans’
Doorley released a brief statement following the report, citing ongoing disciplinary proceedings.
“I am content that the Commission has concluded its investigation by recommending the censure I have sought since this process commenced,” she said. “I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Monroe County.”
Her attorney, Robert Masters, declined to confirm whether or when Doorley will step down:
“Simply stated, today is not a day to discuss any future plans regarding Sandra’s prospective retirement. She will be certain to alert the public of any future plans at the appropriate time.”
What happened during the traffic stop?
On April 22, 2024, Doorley was driving about 20 mph over the speed limit on Phillips Road in Webster when a police officer attempted to pull her over. Rather than stopping, she drove to her home. In her driveway, Doorley confronted the officer, cursed at him, and retreated into her garage, defying his orders. She also made three phone calls to the Webster police chief, at one point telling him to “tell your officer to stop (expletive) following me.” When she finally accepted a speeding ticket, she said, “That’s fine, I’ll take care of it, since I’ll be prosecuting myself.” The fine was $183. While she was not criminally charged, multiple investigations followed.
Fallout and investigation
Doorley initially issued a misleading public statement. After body camera footage surfaced, she apologized more fully but faced widespread national backlash. The Monroe County Office of Public Integrity concluded that her behavior was “indefensible” and could encourage others to disobey police. It said Doorley violated several county ethics rules.Tuesday’s ruling marked the first formal adjudication by the state’s new Office of Prosecutorial Conduct, created in 2021 and launched in 2024.
In its opinion, the Commission wrote:
“When a prosecutor engages in illegal conduct that adversely reflects on honesty, trustworthiness, and fitness as a lawyer, public confidence in the justice system is undermined… When that prosecutor is an elected District Attorney, the risk is particularly acute.”
Who is Sandra Doorley?
Doorley became Monroe County’s first female District Attorney in 2012. She’s been re-elected three times, most recently in 2023 when she ran unopposed. Though originally elected as a Democrat, she switched to the Republican Party in 2015. Her current term runs through 2027. She began working in the DA’s office in 1992 and led the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York in 2020. She lives in Webster with her husband, a Goldendoodle named Finn, and has two daughters.
Reaction from GOP leadership
Monroe County Republican Chairman Patrick Reilly issued the following statement:
“The incident in Webster was serious, unbecoming, and in the end extremely unfortunate. I am saddened by this entire situation, and I hope DA Doorley can enjoy a fresh start in whatever she chooses to do next.”
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Will Monroe County DA Sandra Doorley resign? What we know now
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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