Broome Woman to Prison in Disturbing Halloween Drug Driving Crash

A town of Chenango woman who was driving a vehicle that mowed down trick-or-treaters on Halloween night has been sentenced to prison.

Prosecutors say 60-year-old Ann Affholder pleaded guilty two five assault counts in connection with last fall's incident on South Morningside Drive. She also pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs.

A 14-year-old boy and three adults were injured when they were struck by the vehicle operated by the woman.

Affholder Monday was sentenced to five years in state prison. Her privileges to drive in New York state also will be revoked.

Broome County Court Judge Carol Cocchiola described Affholder as a "selfish person  (who had been) driving under the influence of methamphetamines."

According to a news release, during the sentencing hearing Cocchiola also said:

The victims in this case showed tremendous courage by coming forward and sharing their victim impact statements.

Their strength throughout this process is a testament to their resilience, and it is my hope that today's sentence brings them a measure of peace and closure.

I also want to recognize the citizens who stepped in to help those injured on the scene before emergency services arrived, their swift action made a difference.

Driving under the influence of drugs is not a mistake, it is a choice, and it is one that carries devastating consequences for innocent people and their families.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @bobjoseph.bsky.social on Bluesky or @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.