DeGroat
MONTICELLO – A Lava, NY man has been convicted by a Sullivan County
Court jury in connection with an attack on a man with whom he believed
his wife was having an affair.
District Attorney James Farrell said Vernon DeGroat, 52, intentionally
drove his Ford Ranger pickup truck at the other man, ramming him and causing
physical injury, including a broken clavicle and head injury. The victim
was airlifted to Westchester Medical Center for treatment.
In the process of striking the man, DeGroat drive his truck into a house
damaging the structure.
Farrell said it was all the product of what appeared to be a jealous rage
by DeGroat.
He was convicted of two counts of assault and two counts of DWI.
When sentenced in August, DeGroat faces 3 ½ to 15 years in state
prison.
Chief Assistance DA Robert Zangla handled the prosecution.
