Thomas Lobianco, 26, was indicted on 19 charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide, on Wednesday for allegedly driving under the influence of drugs and causing a fatal crash that killed a construction worker on Long Island.
Prosecutors allege that Lobianco drove through a red light early on August 10, striking a crew of construction workers who were paving a roadway on Townline Road in Suffolk County. The collision resulted in the death of 38-year-old Joel Sicon-Porix, a father of three, and seriously injured two other workers.
According to the indictment, Lobianco had left his shift at a 7-Eleven convenience store prior to the incident. Authorities recovered marijuana, clonazepam, and drug paraphernalia from Lobianco’s backpack, which was found in his damaged 1999 Toyota Camry.
"Every morning, construction crews step out onto Suffolk County roadways to perform work that every one of us relies on, often just feet away from fast-moving traffic," said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. "They have every right to expect that they will make it home safely at the end of their shift. This defendant chose to get behind the wheel while impaired by drugs, and that choice caused devastating consequences."
Lobianco pleaded not guilty to the charges. The indictment includes an aggravated vehicular homicide charge, and he faces a potential prison sentence of up to 25 years if convicted.
A judge set Lobianco’s bail at $7.5 million. He is scheduled to appear in court again on October 14.