Thursday, October 1, 2026
Matthew Smith, 21, of Hauppauge, was sentenced July 20 to 7⅓ to 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a January crash that killed Nassau County Police Officer Patricia Espinosa and seriously injured his passenger.
Smith pleaded guilty in June to aggravated vehicular homicide and other related charges after authorities said he was driving intoxicated, speeding and ran a red light before crashing into Espinosa’s vehicle as she was heading to work.
Espinosa, a nine-year veteran of the Nassau County Police Department assigned to the Fifth Precinct, died the morning of Jan. 31 following the crash on Route 347 at Alexander Avenue in Saint James. She was 42.
According to Suffolk County prosecutors, Smith and his passenger left Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel in Smith’s Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck at approximately 6:07 a.m. Prior to arriving at the casino, prosecutors said Smith had been drinking alcohol in Patchogue. Authorities said Smith was traveling about 70 mph in a 30 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Espinosa’s 2019 Alfa Romeo.
Espinosa was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Smith’s passenger suffered serious injuries, including pelvic and spinal fractures and a severe head laceration.
A chemical test showed Smith’s blood alcohol concentration was .20, more than twice the legal limit. A bottle of Bacardi rum and a shot glass were also found inside the vehicle.
Before joining the Nassau County Police Department, Espinosa served as a New York State corrections officer. After completing the police academy, she was selected as a field training officer, where she mentored new recruits. She was assigned to post 505 in the North Elmont area.
Espinosa is survived by her husband, Francisco Malaga, and their 2-year-old daughter, Mia. Her husband and two brothers, Christian and David Almeida, also serve as police officers.
“No sentence can restore what was taken from Officer Espinosa’s loved ones, but today this defendant begins paying the price for his conduct,” Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said.
As part of his plea agreement, Smith also forfeited his Chevrolet Silverado truck. He was represented by Anthony LaPinta, Esq. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Emma Richards and Laura Newcombe of the Vehicular Crime Bureau.
