State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Shawn David Conway was convicted after jury trial of Felony Driving Under the Influence – 4th or Subsequent Offense. The crime(s) was committed on July 28, 2024 and investigated by Sarasota Sheriff’s Office. The trial was held at the Sarasota County Courthouse on January 8, 2026.
The crimes carry a maximum possible sentence of five (5) years in State prison.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 24, 2026.
Defendant was found passed out slumped over the steering wheel in his vehicle at the Shell Gas Station located at 6991 Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida. The owner of the gas station called 911 when the gas station was closing. Deputy Kyle Chesney arrived on scene and discovered that the defendant reeked of alcohol and had an alcoholic beverage in his vehicle. While the vehicle was not running, the keys were still in the ignition. Defendant’s eyes were bloodshot, glassy and watery. Deputy Chesney contacted Deputy Dustin Bell who is a DUI officer. Defendant admitted to drinking 3 or 4 alcoholic beverages at the beach that day and said he was heading towards University Parkway. Deputy Bell conducted field sobriety exercises and determined that the defendant was impaired by alcohol. Defendant refused to provide a breath test. The jury found the Defendant guilty as charged.
The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Nicholas Lata commented, “I am pleased with the jury’s verdict and that the defendant will be held accountable. Florida law prohibits a person to be in actual physical control of a vehicle while impaired. Defendant has been convicted of four previous counts of Driving Under the Influence in Texas, yet has received probation each time. Probationary sentences are insufficient to correct the behavior of repeat DUI offenders. At the end of the trial, Judge Padar took the defendant into custody pending sentencing on this felony DUI charge.
If you have any questions or would like further information please contact Assistant State Attorney Nicholas Lata in the Sarasota County office at 941-861-4400.