INDICTMENT ON DWI CASE

DELHI – On Wednesday August 13, Joseph Amato, 51, of Treadwell was indicted on two counts related to a DWI arrest from June. Chief Assistant Richard D. Northrup Jr. presented the case to the Grand Jury. The Grand Jury indicted Amato on Driving While Intoxicated, a Class E Felony due to previous convictions, and Obstructing Governmental Administration in the 2nd Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor. 

If convicted, this would be Amato’s third DWI within four years. 

It is alleged that on June 26, 2025, Deputy Elderkin conducted a routine traffic stop and found Amato to be slurring his words with the odor of alcoholic beverages emanating from him. Amato refused to submit to field sobriety tests. He was also uncooperative with law enforcement and impeded their ability to perform the traffic stop.

Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith commended the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office for a thorough investigation.

Indictments and Criminal Complaints are merely allegations.  All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. 

Shawn J. Smith

District Attorney

Delaware County