Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced today that Leslie Morales (age 30), of South Kingstown, pleaded nolo contendere before Washington County Superior Court Justice Melanie Wilk Thunberg to charges of driving under the influence, death resulting and reckless driving, death resulting, stemming from a 2017 automobile crash which claimed the life of a 75-year-old woman.
Under the plea agreement, Morales was sentenced to 10 years in prison with 7 years to serve at the Adult Correctional Institution and the remainder suspended with probation. In addition, Morales must pay a $5,000 fine and, upon release, her license will be suspended for no less than five years. She must also attend alcohol counseling and complete 50 hours of community service. Morales was sentenced at a hearing on Monday, February 25, 2019.
Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to show that on August 7, 2017, Morales was under the influence of alcohol while driving on Old Tower Hill Road in South Kingstown and struck Mary Kemp while attempting to turn onto Narragansett Avenue. Ms. Kemp was later pronounced dead at South County Hospital.
The crash was investigated by members of the South Kingstown and Narragansett Police Departments. Assistant Attorney General Mark Trovato prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of Attorney General. ###