John Costello Pleads Not Guilty to Seven Counts Related to Fatal Greenport Crash
John A. Costello of Greenport pleaded not guilty to a seven-count indictment Tuesday at his arraignment before State Supreme Court Justice Fernando Camacho in Central Islip, Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota said.
On December 6, Costello, 71, crossed the centerline on Route 25 in Greenport and collided head on with a 2006 Honda driven by Oseas Ramirez, of Peconic, according to Spota’s office. A passenger in the Honda, 34-year-old Miguel Bartolome, of Peconic, died from his injuries at Eastern Long Island Hospital. Ramirez was treated and released.
The indictment charges Costello with manslaughter in the second degree, vehicular manslaughter in the second degree, driving while intoxicated, assault in the third degree and failing to stay in a designated lane.
Crime lab tests of the defendant’s blood determined he had a .17 blood-alcohol level after the crash, authorities said.
Justice Camacho set bond at $50,000 and the next court date for March 26.