Town Council member takes plea deal on DUI charge
STRATFORD — A Town Council member accused of driving drunk at 117 mph on the Merritt Parkway will have the charges dismissed if he completes a diversionary program.
William Perillo, 51, a Republican who represents the Seventh District on the council, also made a $500 charitable contribution and paid a $500 fine as part of a deal with prosecutors.
In emails Thursday, Perillo said he was happy the charges will eventually be dismissed.
“I respect our courts and (am) satisfied with the outcome,” he said. “I have completed everything that was required.”
State police said Perillo, a retired police officer, was stopped about 10:10 p.m. Sept. 12, 2020, near Exit 53 on Route 15 southbound.
“Observed vehicle at high rate of speed,” wrote Sgt. Robert Olechowski, who was listed on the police report as the investigating trooper. “Vehicle clocked at 117MPH in clearly posted 55MPH zone. The operator initially accelerated refusing to stop. The operator continued for a considerable distance before finally slowing then bringing his vehicle to a stop.”
Perillo allegedly “exhibited numerous indicators he was under the influence of alcohol and was taken into custody for (motor vehicle) violations observed,” the summary said.
Perillo said Thursday he didn’t have any comment on the allegations themselves.
“All citizens also have their day in court and I am happy with the outcome,” he said.
Asked if he would run for re-election in November, Perillo said he hadn’t decided yet, “but this incident would not be a factor in that consideration.”
He had faced charges of operating under the influence, reckless driving, disobeying the signal of an officer and failure to drive in the proper lane.
Perillo applied in October to take part in a pretrial alcohol education program, a diversionary program for first-time offenders. If a judge grants entry to the program, defendants take part in alcohol counseling. When completed, the charges are dismissed.
Judge Tracy Lee Dayton granted Perillo’s application Dec. 9.
As part of the resolution, Perillo made a $500 charitable contribution in addition to a $500 fine for the the motor vehicle charges to be dropped.
The prosecutor in the case did not object to Perillo’s participation in the program.
Perillo’s lawyer told the judge the case “has been an experience my client has certainly learned from. It’s something he does not intend to repeat and won’t repeat.”
A judge then approved Perillo’s application for the program and ordered the charges dismissed Dec. 8 as long as Perillo attends 10 sessions, doesn’t drive unless properly licensed and registered and complies with DMV ignition interlock requirements.
A message was left Thursday with Mayor Laura Hoydick, who released a statement after Perillo’s arrest saying, “The offenses he is charged with are grave and alarming and I am grateful no one was injured.
“Driving under the influence is a serious allegation which I don't take lightly,” the mayor said. “We await the outcome of the legal process that needs to take place.”