According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, Thomas…

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, Thomas Giruzzi, 61, of Utica, the STOP-DWI Coordinator for Oneida County, was arrested for DWI – Drugs.

According to Sheriff Maciol, Corporal Richard Stanek was in a marked patrol car last evening and observed Giruzzi operating his personally owned vehicle on Genesee Street in the City of Utica without his seatbelt on. Corporal Stanek also observed Giruzzi on his cell phone.

Giruzzi was subsequently stopped and found to be in possession of cocaine. He was charged with DWI – Drugs along with other traffic violations. He was transported to the Law Enforcement Building where he was processed and released and will appear in Utica City Court at a later date to be arraigned.

“Mr. Giruzzi has been removed from his position as STOP DWI Coordinator effective immediately and is no longer employed by the County of Oneida,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “Last night, he was arrested for driving under the influence. Fortunately, no one, including himself, was physically injured by his unacceptable and inappropriate actions.

“It is my hope that Tom finds the help he needs at this time. Substance abuse is a serious disease that can affect anyone regardless of their personal or professional circumstances. The STOP DWI Office is mission critical to educating the public on the ill effects of driving while under the influence and making destructive decisions. I will seek to fill that position as soon as possible.”