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A Liberty man, John Mansfield, 72, has pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident where he struck a pedestrian, causing serious injuries. The incident occurred on March 12 when a 20-year-old man from Wawarsing was crossing Route 209 in Ellenville. Mansfield's plea was entered on September 25, but the Ulster County District Attorney's office reported it on October 20.
According to the district attorney's office, video surveillance footage showed that Mansfield did not stop to help the victim or report the incident. Instead, he drove away and later took his vehicle to a repair shop, claiming he thought he had hit a deer. Mansfield is scheduled for sentencing on January 8. His attorney, Jonathan Goldin, has not commented on the case.
This hit-and-run case has drawn attention due to the severity of the injuries sustained by the victim and Mansfield's decision to leave the scene. As the legal process continues, the community awaits the outcome of the sentencing.