Capital Region residents and New Yorkers can find some relief as Dennis Drue, a convicted killer and serial drunk driver, has been sent back to jail. This decision follows his violation of parole terms by failing to install or use an interlock device in his vehicle. A hearing is scheduled for June 5th.
Senator Jim Tedisco commended Judge Diamond for this decision and praised Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen and her team for their diligent work. He stated, “Clearly, Drue has not reformed and learned his lesson and needs to face his full prison sentence.”
Tedisco also acknowledged the Stewart and Rivers families for their courage in advocating for justice following the tragic deaths of Christopher Stewart and Deanna Rivers. “They have used this terrible tragedy to try and prevent what happened to their family from ever happening again to other families,” he said.
The senator emphasized the importance of passing Senate Bill S.24, known as ‘Christopher and Deanna’s Law.’ The legislation aims to ensure that victim impact statements are video recorded. It mandates that all Parole Board members who vote on parole must watch these videos if they do not meet with victims’ families in person.
Tedisco remarked, “We need to pass the bi-partisan ‘Christopher’s and Deanna’s Law’ to enhance the voices of our forgotten citizens – crime victims — and ensure victim impact statements are video recorded.” He stressed the need for reforming the parole system to prevent miscarriages of justice.
“They say seeing is believing,” Tedisco concluded. “It’s time to truly make crime victims seen and heard.”
