Ex-Delco prosecutor gets 4 to 8 months in hit-and-run

A former Delaware County prosecutor who left the scene of an accident that injured a Haverford teen was sentenced Thursday to four to eight months in the county jail.

Michael Donohue, 32, now of Philadelphia, apologized to Jake Vantrieste and his family, saying the event had affected him in a "profound way."

On Nov. 4, 2011, Donohue, who had been out drinking with coworkers after work, was driving along a busy Upper Darby route talking on his cellphone when he struck Vantrieste, then 14, who was attempting to cross the street.

The teen was rushed to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia suffering from bleeding on the brain, a fractured pelvis, and broken leg. He spent six days in the hospital including time in intensive care.

Donohue did not turn himself in until days after the crash.

At Donohue's trial last month, a waitress from a Media bar testified that Donohue ran up a tab of $120 the night of the crash.

Trial witnesses, including eight former or current members of the District Attorney's Office who were at the bar, testified that Donohue did not appear impaired.

Judge John L. Braxton acquitted Donohue of the most serious charges, including aggravated assault and driving under the influence. A simple-assault charge was later dropped, which left Donohue facing only a misdemeanor.

He was convicted Nov. 19 of leaving the scene of an accident.

The teen's father said he didn't think Donohue's apology was sincere and the sentence enough.

"It's never enough," Kevin Vantrieste said. "It's my son."