The off-duty Albany police officer who was involved in a deadly shooting in Utica earlier this year has pleaded guilty to driving while ability impaired.
Christofer Kitto shot and killed Shatelle Hooks, of Syracuse, on Lincoln Street in January. Police said Kitto was in the midst of an altercation with Hooks, who took out a knife and attempted to rob Kitto. Kitto then shot Hooks, who later died.
Kitto was cleared of any wrongdoing regarding Hooks’ death, but he was charged with patronizing a prostitute.
Kitto pleaded guilty on Tuesday to driving with ability impaired as part of a plea deal. The prostitution charge was dropped.
Prosecutors said he had been drinking before driving from Turning Stone Casino to Lincoln Avenue in Utica, where the shooting happened.
Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara said that after reviewing evidence, Kitto would have faced the DWAI charge anyway.
He also said neither charge typically leads to jail time.
When considering making a plea deal, McNamara said DWAI came with a heftier punishment than patronizing a prostitute.
In this case, he said the punishment was more important than the charge.
"I was looking for a resignation. He had to resign. He did," McNamara said. "The DWAI has a $500 fine. That is a big fine. He also had his license suspended. No license would be suspended if we took a plea to patronizing a prostitute."
McNamara added there's a possibility that prostitution could be legalized in the future which may undo a potential conviction.
Kitto's license will be suspended for 90 days, and he has to pay about $750 in fines, but will serve no jail time.
Kitto resigned from his job with Albany police, and must continue treatment through the Department of Veterans Affairs.