Genesee Sun

Schledorn Charged with Felony DWI After Double Fatal Sparta Accident

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — After a fatal accident claimed the lives of two southern Livingston County residents last week, one of which was a young mother, felony charges have now followed as a result of further invetigation.

According to a press release from Livingston County Sheriff John M. York,  William Schledorn, 29, was charged with Felony Driving While Intoxicated, Felony Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the First Degree and a third Felony of Making an apparently false sworn statement in the First Degree.

The initial investigation into the accident that took the lives of Joshua Price and Katie Burr on Kysorville Byersville Road in the Town of West Sparta did not include any felony charges.

Allegedly Schledorn failed to initially advise first responding Deputies and later Sheriff's Office Investigators that he had been operating a second motor vehicle and had also been consuming alcohol prior to the operation of this vehicle, he was friends with both of the victims.

Schledorn had a revoked New York State license for a prior Driving While Intoxicated conviction, resulting in the Felony DWI and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation charges. The Felony Making a false sworn statement charge is the result of his
several false statements which attempted to mislead the investigation.

Schledorn was arraigned before Judge Moffat in West Sparta Town Court.  The Judge set bail on Schledorn at $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond.  Schledorn was turned over to the Custody of the Sheriff to be held at the Livingston County Jail.

The investigation was handled by Investigator Thomas Dougherty, Investigator Brian Applin, Sgt Norman Zeh, Deputy Shawn Whitford and ID Technicians; Deputy Michael Williams and Deputy Chad Vanauken.  The Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Livingston County District Attorney's Office and Monroe County Medical Examiner's.