Suffolk Legislator-Elect Catherine Stark was arrested over the weekend by Riverhead Town Police on charges of operating a vehicle while impaired. Set to take over the office held by Legislator Albert Krupski, where she served as chief of staff, Stark revealed she is battling cancer, and had taken prescribed medication in the hours preceding the arrest.
“There was no alcohol or illegal substances involved, and a test volunteered to by Ms. Stark showed this,” her attorney, Steven Losquadro, said in a statement. “A blood test, also voluntarily given, will conclusively prove this. All medication taken by Ms. Stark to assist in her fight against this disease has been prescribed by her Oncologist.”
According to a police statement, on December 3 at approximately 2:28 p.m., the department received a 911 call in regards to an impaired driver operating a vehicle in the area of Pondview Road. A Patrol Officer located the reported vehicle and made contact with the driver. An investigation was conducted and the operator of the vehicle, who was identified as Catherine Stark, age 60, of Riverhead, was placed under arrest for violation of New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law 1192.4 driving while ability impaired by drugs. Stark was transported to Police Headquarters and held overnight for arraignment.
Appearing before Judge Lori Hulse in Riverhead Town Justice Court Monday morning, Stark pleaded not guilty and was released. According to the complaint, the officer reported that she showed signs of "being disoriented, droopy eyelids, drowsiness, drunk-like behavior, slurred speech, extreme dry mouth, slow internal clock and had constricted pupil size which are all indicators of Narcotic Analgesics.” Stark allegedly stated she had taken medication for back pain.
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“Catherine Stark courageously has been battling cancer, a condition that she has chosen until now to keep private,” her attorney said. “We stand with Ms. Stark as she battles this disease, and we look forward to a favorable resolution not just legally but, more importantly, as it relates to her health.”