Pocono News Section

Man Sentenced for DUI Hit & Run

Man Sentenced for DUI Hit & Run - Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 5:40PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Tuesday, Nov 24, 2009 @ 05:40pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- A man involved in a violent hit and run in Scranton is going to prison.

Cory Zaleski got 15 to 42 months. Earlier this year he admitted he was driving drunk the night of the crash. The sentence now brings closure to the victim and her friends.

Just minutes after walking into the Lackawanna County Courthouse Tuesday Cory Zaleski learned he's going to prison for at least 15 months.

Jackie Nieratko is the accident victim. ÒI'm pleased with what he got. My closure is finally here and that's what I've wanted is my closure. I've finally got my closure (chokes back). I'm so happy that its here," she told Eyewitness News.

In September 2008 Nieratko was left in a coma after Zaleski hit her while driving drunk on Davis Street in Scranton. He did not stop to help her and left her for dead. ÒI can't even hit a squirrel. I can't even kill a bug. I can't even imagine doing that to somebody," she said.

In court Zaleski's attorney asked for no prison time for his client saying he's changed his ways and has been sober for one year. Defense Attorney Paul Walker said, ÒI don't see the need for an aggravated sentence. I'm disappointed to say the least."

Prosecutors fired back saying the sentence was appropriate pointing to the fact that Zaleski tried to cover his tracks in the hours days and weeks after the hit and run. Assistant District Attorney Maryann Grippo said, ÒThe most egregious part of this -- as the judge pointed out -- was the immense cover up he engaged in, hiding the car and wiping it down and reporting it stolen."

Now for Jackie Nieratko, her fiance Tim Black and friends, they just want to move on. Last Thanksgiving Jackie was in a wheelchair and in rehab. Now she's thriving as best she can.

ÒWe're grateful for the progress she's made. Things could be a lot worse. We're just very thankful for where she is right now and what lies ahead," said Black.

In addition to prison time, Cory Zaleski will also serve four years probation. He was also ordered to pay more than $450,000 for Jackie's medical bills.