Ex-deputy jailed for serious DWI crash

AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) - A former Erie County Sheriff's deputy who drove drunk, struck a motorcyclist and then lost his badge is now going to jail.

Daniel Colosimo, 37, suffered serious traumatic brain injury following the August 2012 incident in Amherst. On Wednesday, Michael Haug, 29, was sentenced serve two to six years in state prison.

Haug, a former deputy, pleaded guilty to first degree vehicular assault and driving while intoxicated. The victim was on his motorcycle, stopped at a red light on Sheridan Drive at Bailey Avenue. Authorities say Haug's BAC content was more than three times the legal limit.

Both the victim and his brother talked about the ordeal and the defendant after sentencing.

"It's a struggle every day," Daniel Colosimo said. "Aches and pains. I got scars from head to toe. All I remember is sitting at the red light. Waking up 10 days later [from] a coma."

Daniel's brother, Jerry Colosimo, said, "This guy disgraced all police officers that wear the badge proud. Don't drink and drive. It doesn't pay."

Erie County Judge Thomas Franczyk pointed out that Haug was pulled over in 2009 for drinking and driving but was shown a professional courtesy. That comment angered the Colosimos.

"If it was me or you, we'd get a ticket. We get points on our license. They get let go. It's not right," Daniel said.

Haug's attorney told the judge his client takes full responsibility for his actions, noting Haug stayed at the scene of the crash and did not leave.