Mooney is found guilty in crash with Chester officer

GOSHEN —After four and a half days and the testimony of 33 witnesses, a jury declared Daniel Mooney guilty of all charges stemming from a fiery car accident last July. Mooney, 21, led local police officers on a high-speed chase around the Village of Chester late on the night of July 20, 2005. Town of Chester officer Robert Ferrara suffered very grave injuries in the head-on crash between his cruiser and the SUV Mooney was driving that night. He spent months in the hospital and later in a rehabilitation center. He has since been promoted to the rank of detective. Orange County District Attorney Frank Phillips said Mooney has been convicted on all counts involving injuries to Ferrara. Mooney faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. The sentencing on charges of assault, first degree, reckless endangerment, first degree, vehicular assault, aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle and operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be concurrent. He will be sentenced March 9. Orange County Court Judge Stewart Rosenwasser declared a mistrial when the jury said it could not reach a verdict in the case involving Mooney’s passenger, Christine Malec, 23. Phillips said he will review the case to determine if it should go to trial again. The prosecuting attorney was Maryellen Albanese. The chief defense attorney was Gary Abramson. Phillips said he was pleased with the outcome of the trial. He said a prior felony conviction against Mooney could add additional prison time.