WEST SENECA — A scheduled non-jury trial in the drunken driving case against Starpoint Central School District Superintendent Sean Croft has been adjourned.
Croft had been set to appear before West Seneca Town Justice Jon Minear on Tuesday to face charges of driving while intoxicated, imprudent speed and unsafe movement from a traffic lane in connection with a Labor Day weekend car crash that caused property damage but no injuries. Croft has pleaded not guilty to the charges and remains free on his own recognizance.
Erie County prosecutors asked for the adjournment because a witness in the case was not available to testify. There was no immediate word on when Croft’s trial would be rescheduled.
Prosecutors have previously turned over evidence in the case to Croft’s defense. That evidence is known to include multiple videos from the crash scene recorded by West Seneca Police patrol car dashboard cams and officer-worn body cameras.
West Seneca police said the crash occurred about 3:40 p.m. Aug. 31. Officers had responded to a call of a single-vehicle crash on Nina Terrace near East-West Road. Crash investigators said Croft is suspected of driving his vehicle at “a speed in excess of the legal limit,” when he drove off of the roadway and hit a tree in the residential neighborhood.
Croft, 50, of Cheektowaga, was treated at the scene by paramedics.
If convicted on the DWI charge, Croft could face up to a year in jail. His New York State driver’s license has been temporarily suspended.
After the crash, Croft was placed on leave from his post as the Starpoint superintendent. However, in November, the members of the Starpoint Central School District Board of Education “agreed unanimously” to return Croft to his job with the district.
School Board President Jeffrey Duncan released a written statement, at that time, that read, “The Board came to this decision following careful consideration and reflection, balancing the seriousness of the incident with Dr. Croft’s long-standing dedication and positive contributions to this school community. It is apparent through our conversations with Dr. Croft that he has taken responsibility for his action and has demonstrated a commitment to personal growth.”
The Starpoint school board also modified Croft’s employment contract, but those changes have not been made public.
Croft returned to work on Nov. 14.