Gov. Cuomo's Ex-Wife Kerry Kennedy Arraigned On DWAI Charge
ARMONK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo's ex-wife Kerry Kennedy pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a charge of driving while drug-impaired, but admitted she has no memory of the wild drive that sent her car careening down I-684.
"I remember getting on the highway and then I have no memory until I was stopped at a traffic light and a police officer was at my car door," Kennedy told reporters, including CBS 2's Jessica Schneider.
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Kennedy was released on her own recognizance in the July 13 incident in which she apparently hit a tractor-trailer in Westchester County near Bedford.
Authorities said Kennedy was swaying and slurring her speech when cops found her. She was later arrested.
Kennedy spoke to reporters following the arraignment and said she suffered a "complex partial seizure" as a result of a head injury she suffered "some time ago."
She said her state of mind during the accident had nothing to do with thyroid medication or Ambien, which she initially told police she might have mistakenly taken.
"I apologize to the other drivers who were on the road that day," Kennedy said.
Police also allege that Kennedy failed a standing-on-one-leg test and a walk-and-turn test Friday morning, according to court papers.
Kennedy, however, said that no alcohol, recreational or prescription drugs were found in her system after testing.
Kennedy's spokesman, Ken Sunshine, said she voluntarily took Breathalyzer and that charges were filed before the test results were available.
The 52-year-old daughter of Robert F. Kennedy stood next to her brother Chris and sister Rory and explained that she doesn't remember colliding with the protruding lug-nuts on the wheels of the big rig driving next to her.
Despite that, truck driver Rocco Scuiletti has a vivid account of her erratic behavior.
"She drifted over once, I moved over for her, and she drifted over twice and collided with me," Scuiletti told CBS 2.
Scuiletti said right after Kennedy hit his truck, she hit the gas. When she got off at Route 22, police pulled her over and she regained consciousness.
Scuiletti also told CBS 2's Schneider that he has been interviewed by police and sources tell CBS 2 that he may face charges for leaving the scene of an accident.
Police said the charges were based on their observations of Kennedy and on 911 calls from motorists from the highway.
She faces a fine, loss of driving privileges and possible jail time if convicted. The judge also ordered Kennedy to be evaluated by a state agency that will monitor her treatments.
Kennedy separated from Cuomo in 2003. They divorced in 2005. The couple has three daughters.
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