Update: Ari Spinoza appeared in court today. See below for more.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- Ari Spinoza, a 20-year-old candidate for Manlius town councilor in Tuesday’s election, faces two misdemeanor charges for his role in an incident in March, a prosecutor says.
Spinoza, a Republican, is accused of driving a vehicle that rammed into another car in Syracuse. Two other passengers were in the car Spinoza was driving‚ and they hit the victim’s car and the victim, according to court papers. Then, Spinoza drove away, University Hospital police charge.
Spinoza, 20, is scheduled to appear in Syracuse City Court on Wednesday afternoon.
“This matter arose out of my attempt to help a friend and I regret my conduct,” Spinoza wrote in a statement Thursday morning. “I believe that I have learned from this experience and will not make this same mistake again.”
Spinoza was initially charged in March with leaving the scene of a property damage accident and second-degree harassment, both violations.
On Oct. 12, the Onondaga County District Attorney’s office filed two new charges, both misdemeanors, against Spinoza. Those charges are second-degree reckless endangerment, a Class A misdemeanor, and sixth-degree conspiracy, a Class B misdemeanor.
Assistant District Attorney Alphonse Williams III said Spinoza had been offered a deal some time ago, but Williams said he never received a response. Williams said he believes Spinoza will accept the deal — an ACD or adjournment in contemplation of dismissal — in court Wednesday.
Williams said Spinoza agreed in court Wednesday to complete 21 hours of community service for an ACD, a move that would dismiss the charges once Spinoza completes the court’s requirements.
However, the court can’t accept his plea until Spinoza is fingerprinted on the new charges he was arraigned on Wednesday, Williams said. Therefore, the case is adjourned until next week for Spinoza to get fingerprinted, the ADA said.
Under terms of the offer, Spinoza would have to stay out of trouble for the next six months to a year. Williams said. If he does so, the charges would be dismissed, Williams said.
Williams told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard the new misdemeanor charges were brought after his office spoke with the victim and got a better understanding of the events.
“It is alleged that Mr. Spinoza acted with others while physically attacking the victim, and then recklessly rammed his vehicle into the victim’s vehicle while the victim was inside,” Williams said.
Williams said Spinoza, the victim and the passengers in the car went to high school together. Spinoza graduated from Fayetteville-Manlius High School.
The incident took place on Harrison Street by Upstate University Hospital on March 13. It occurred late on a Saturday night, right before midnight.
The victim alleges all three people attacked him, although Williams said the victim was not injured to the level that would warrant assault charges. The two other passengers also face charges in the case, Williams said. One has been arraigned and the other has an arrest warrant out for him, Williams said.
The victim could not be reached for comment.
Elizabeth Doran covers education, suburban government and development, breaking news and more. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact her anytime at 315-470-3012 or email edoran@syracuse.com