Collier County deputy won't be disciplined after deadly wrong-way DUI crash

NAPLES, Fla. (WINK)—A Collier County Sheriff's deputy who pulled over a driver hours before a deadly wrong-way DUI crash has been cleared of wrongdoing.

Internal documents obtained by WINK Investigates show Deputy Eric Pellegrino will not face any discipline.

Deputy Pellegrino pulled over Genise Taylor around 2:18 a.m. March 18TH for driving 71 mph in a 45-mph zone.

Throughout the body camera video, Taylor mentioned how she recognized the deputy.

Internal affairs investigators with the Collier County Sheriff's Office looked into the alleged relationship and found the two only knew each other in passing.

Taylor worked at a local bar and Pellegrino often worked in the area, but investigators say Pellegrino never interacted with Taylor outside of occasional small talk.

During the traffic stop, Pellegrino said he smelled alcohol on Taylor's breath.

However, he said he didn't have enough probable cause to arrest her for DUI.

Pellegrino told Taylor to have a friend pick her up. That friend told investigators they went to a nearby Waffle House where Taylor got back into her car and drove away.

Two hours later, Florida Highway Patrol says Taylor was driving the wrong way when she struck and killed Arthur Gilbert and injured another driver.

Taylor is charged with DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide. She has pleaded not guilty.