DA: Woman Took Responsibility For DWI Crash To Cover For Boyfriend

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A young couple allegedly tried to pull a fast one, but prosecutors say they know who was really behind the wheel of a car that slammed into a Long Island house.

And apparently it wasn't the woman they originally arrested.

As CBS 2's Carolyn Gusoff reported Wednesday, it was a driver switch and the passenger admitted she took the rap for her boyfriend.

1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reports

Helen Indiere, 96, said she had doubts about who was driving on Memorial Day when she was shaken out of bed by a Mercedes convertible literally plowing through her kitchen.

"He actually drove right with the tree, an entire 30-foot tree which he uprooted, right through the kitchen and into the back of the house," Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota said.

Spota said the person behind the wheel was not 21-year-old Sophia Anderson, who was arrested for drunk driving that day, but her boyfriend, 23-year-old Daniel Sajewski. Her attorney said she took the rap out of love.

"It's the ultimate betrayal of love, of trust. Sophia completely trusted Dan," attorney John LoTurco said.

WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reports

When Anderson sobered up she realized her mistake, but prosecutors said Sajewski, who had been partying with his girlfriend at his parents' Lloyd Harbor mansion, promised her the arrest would be no big deal and that he had more to lose because he was on probation for drug charges, CBS 2's Gusoff reported.

"You have to do this for me. You have to say you were driving. I can't afford to get into any more trouble," Spota said.

"He knew he could manipulate her that night into taking the rap for him, and he's the ultimate creep in my opinion," LoTurco added.

Prosecutors said DNA and the injuries prove Sajewski was the driver. Now Sajewski is facing a slew of charges, including making false statements. His lawyer had no comment on Wednesday, but the two elderly sisters whose home was wrecked asked a granddaughter to comment.

"It's incredible. I can't believe it. People have to understand you can't drink and drive; you can't drug and drive. Thank God they didn't kill them," Gina Angelina said.

The sisters, both in their 90s, have been displaced for months, while extensive repairs have been performed on their house. They hope to be back in their home by Thanksgiving.

Anderson is not off the hook. She will face conspiracy charges and will be in court on Thursday. However, DA Spota said he will ask for leniency.

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