JOHN J. RONK PLEADS GUILTY TO VEHICULAR MANSLAUGHTER IN THE FIRST DEGREE
John J. Ronk, 41, of 272 New Salem Road, in the Town of Esopus, entered a guilty plea to Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree in Ulster County Court today.
Ronk admitted driving a Nissan Xterra SUV while intoxicated and causing the death of a bicyclist, Brian Jones, on September 14, 2017, at about 7:30 p.m. Jones was the father to six children. Ronk’s blood alcohol content was .32.
Evidence collected at the scene by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police revealed that Ronk crossed over the double yellow centerlines and struck the rear tire of Jones’ bicycle, causing Jones to be thrown from his bike and killed. After striking Jones, two wheels from Ronk’s vehicle drove up on a guiderail for several feet before correcting and striking a telephone pole. Ronk attempted to flee the scene on foot. A passing motorist called 911 and alerted the Sheriff’s Office, who apprehended Ronk within minutes of the crash.
Ronk admitted drinking several large cans of beer with high alcohol content prior to driving. Ronk also stated that he was on his way to the store to buy more beer.
Ronk is scheduled to be sentenced on July 26th. Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree is a class C non-violent felony which carries a maximum sentence of five to fifteen years in state prison. Ronk is represented by Jeremiah Flaherty and the case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District District Attorney Gerard Van Loan.
On July 4, 2000, Ronk killed a passenger in a pickup truck in Rhinebeck, N.Y. while Ronk was intoxicated. Ronk pled guilty to Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree in Dutchess County Court on August 17, 2000, and received a sentence of one to three years in state prison.
