Two plead guilty in 2008 hit-and-run
Published: July 1, 2009
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share thisJacquelyn Nieratko has spent the past eight months in grueling physical therapy, learning how to walk again after she was struck by a car while crossing a Moosic street in September.
And Wednesday, she watched as the man who was behind the wheel admitted to drunken driving and leaving the scene without even checking to see what - or whom - he had hit.
Cory J. Zaleski, 25, of 232 Crane St., Scranton, is facing at least four months and up to 11½ years in prison after pleading guilty to four charges, including DUI, tampering with evidence and reckless driving. His girlfriend, 21-year-old Jennifer Weinerth, of 2654 Jackson St., Scranton, pleaded guilty to conspiring to file a false report for helping Mr. Zaleski ditch the car after the accident.
The impact broke Ms. Nieratko's pelvis, caused severe head injuries and spinal damage and left her in a coma for almost three weeks. After the hearing, she said it was difficult to watch the proceedings.
"It was my first time seeing him since it happened," she said. "I really just want to put this all behind me, move on."
Ms. Nieratko was crossing Davis Street about 1:50 a.m. Sept. 7 after she and her boyfriend, Tim Black, pulled over near Jones Street to investigate a dragging sound coming from the back of the car.
Neither saw the red Ford Focus driven by Mr. Zaleski until it was too late. After he struck Ms. Nieratko and fled the scene, Mr. Zaleski went to Ms. Weinerth's home. He then told her to follow him in another car to an empty lot near Providence Road in North Scranton, where he left the Ford. Later, they reported it as stolen.
As he was leaving the courthouse, Mr. Zaleski expressed remorse.
"I am very sorry for everything that happened," he said. "I did not mean to hurt anyone."
Deputy District Attorney Maryann Grippo was dismissive of Mr. Zaleski's sentiments, calling it "too little, too late."
"He left her for dead after he struck her," she said.
Both Mr. Zaleski and Ms. Weinerth are free while awaiting sentencing. A date has not been set.
Contact the writer: enissley@timesshamrock.com
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