Monroe County DA Sandra Doorley Plans to Step Down Following Ethics Censure

Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley is expected to vacate her position following a formal censure by the New York State Commission on Prosecutorial Conduct, which found she violated ethical standards during a controversial traffic stop last year.

Sandra Doorley issued an apology after the April, 2024 incident saying "I made a mistake. A big one."

The censure stems from an April 2024 incident in which Doorley, who was clocked driving 20 miles per hour over the speed limit, did not stop for a Webster police officer. Instead, she drove home while on the phone with the town’s police chief, later confronting the officer in a tense exchange captured on body camera video. Doorley ultimately paid the ticket and issued a public apology, calling her behavior “rude at best, abusive at worst.”

In a deposition to the commission, Doorley acknowledged that it was time for her to move on. “I know it’s time for me to go… I think it’s time that there should be a new DA,” she stated, adding that she hoped to “ride off into the sunset.”

The commission issued a public censure on June 26, marking the first such action since the watchdog agency was established in 2021. The matter has also been referred to the state’s Attorney Grievance Committee for potential disciplinary proceedings.

Although Doorley has not formally resigned or provided a departure date, the timing is critical. If she steps down before August 4, her office would appear on the November 2025 general election ballot. If she resigns after that date, Gov. Kathy Hochul would appoint a replacement to serve until the next regular election in 2026.

The Monroe County Democratic Committee (MCDC) responded Tuesday to reports of Doorley’s possible resignation, saying it is preparing for all outcomes.

“The findings of the Commission on Prosecutorial Conduct affirm concerns that many in our community have long shared,” said MCDC Chairman Stephen Devay in a statement. “While the final outcome of this matter remains pending, it is clear that public trust in our justice system must be upheld through transparency and accountability.”

Devay added that whenever the next election for district attorney occurs, the Democratic Party will be prepared to support a candidate who “reflects the values, professionalism, and fairness that Monroe County residents deserve.”

Doorley, a Republican, was first elected in 2011 after serving in the DA’s office since 1992. She has won re-election three times and is the first woman to hold the office in Monroe County. She sold her home in Webster late last year and reportedly relocated her husband to South Carolina, further fueling speculation about her impending departure.

In a statement supporting Doorley, Monroe County Republican Committee Chair Patrick Reilly said he was saddened by this entire situation, and hope DA Doorley can enjoy a fresh start in whatever she chooses to do next.

"Sandra Doorley is a tough prosecutor who always fought hard for crime victims, stood by our police when it was politically difficult to do so in Monroe County, and has run an extremely successful District Attorney's office," Reilly said in a statement. "The incident in Webster was serious, unbecoming, and in the end extremely unfortunate."

As of now, Doorley’s legal team has indicated she will announce her official plans at an appropriate time, but emphasized that “today is not a day to discuss future plans.”

Her eventual resignation would mark the end of a nearly 35-year career in the Monroe County justice system and could signal a turning point for political and prosecutorial leadership in the region.