Thomas Lobianco, 26, pleaded not guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide Wednesday after prosecutors say he killed a construction worker while driving impaired through a red light in Suffolk County.
Lobianco faces a 19-count indictment carrying up to 25 years in prison for the Aug. 10 crash on Townline Road in Nesconset. Prosecutors allege he had just finished a shift at a local 7-Eleven when he got behind the wheel impaired and plowed into a paving crew.
The collision killed Joel Sicon-Porix, 38, a father of three from Mastic, and left two other workers with serious injuries. Sicon-Porix’s death prompted a community fundraiser to support his young children.
“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 in a statement.
“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.”
Investigators found marijuana, clonazepam and drug paraphernalia inside a backpack recovered from Lobianco’s wrecked 1999 Toyota Camry, according to prosecutors. Clonazepam is a prescription medication used to treat seizures and panic disorders that can cause drowsiness and impaired coordination.
A judge ordered Lobianco held on $7.5 million bail following his arraignment. He is scheduled to return to court in October.
The crash occurred during overnight repaving work on Townline Road, where the construction crew had been working on the roadway surface. Rural Suffolk County roads have seen multiple incidents involving struck workers in recent years, though fatalities remain rare.
The aggravated vehicular homicide charge represents the most serious count in the sweeping indictment, which signals prosecutors’ intent to pursue significant prison time. Vehicular homicide charges in New York typically require proof of intoxication combined with reckless driving conduct.
Lobianco’s next court appearance is set for Oct. 14.