New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the sentencing of former NYPD officer Bernadine Thomas, 36, of Maybrook, for causing the death of her husband in a high-speed crash while driving under the influence. Thomas, who was off-duty at the time, was sentenced to five years’ probation after pleading guilty to Criminally Negligent Homicide before Rockland County Court Judge Kevin Russo on February 3, 2025.
The fatal incident occurred in the early morning hours of February 26, 2023, as Thomas drove northbound on the Palisades Interstate Parkway with her husband in the passenger seat. Investigators found that she was traveling at speeds up to 109 miles per hour with a blood alcohol content of 0.10 when her vehicle veered off the roadway and struck a tree. Her husband was pronounced dead at the scene.
Thomas has waived her right to appeal as part of the plea agreement.
The case was reviewed by the Office of Special Investigation (OSI) pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, which mandates investigations into any death potentially caused by the actions or omissions of police or peace officers, whether on- or off-duty. Following its assessment, OSI conducted a full investigation before bringing charges.