Jason Mario Orlando has been convicted of DUI-Damage Person/Property (.15 level) and DUI – Serious Bodily Injury, following a three-day trial in Collier County. The jury returned the guilty verdict this afternoon.
Assistant State Attorneys Sarah Woodward and Laura Mason prosecuted the case.
On January 7, 2021, at approximately 6:30 a.m., the defendant was driving northbound on County Road 850 when he drifted into the southbound lane. His car collided with another car head on, then rotated counterclockwise and hit another vehicle, causing all three to crash.
One of the victims, the driver of the second vehicle, went to check on the defendant who was laying against the steering wheel. The defendant asked the driver to help get him away because he was drunk.
Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) responded to the scene. The Trooper observed open cans of beer in the car including one between the driver’s door and seat, several behind the driver’s seat, and others on the front passenger floorboard.
The driver in the first car hit suffered significant injuries. They too were able to identify the defendant as the person driving the car that hit them.
The defendant’s blood alcohol level was .195. He also had THC (cannabinoids) and cocaine in his system. Everyone involved was taken to the hospital. The Trooper went to interview the defendant in the hospital and noted the smell of alcohol emanating from him.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 9, 2024.
Samantha Syoen – Communications Director, State Attorney’s Office