The Weekly Vice

Sheboygan man convicted of 10th OWI in Green Bay
BY ANDY NELESEN • Gannett Wisconsin Media • October 22, 2009


A 37-year-old Sheboygan man was convicted of drunken driving for the 10th time Wednesday after a failed bid at an insanity defense.


Ronald Dunaj was stopped for reckless driving on Interstate 43 on June 17, 2008. When an deputy approached his Ford Focus, Dunaj sped off and led deputies on a chase across Green Bay's east side and several outlying suburbs before deputies rammed his car on Beth Drive at Challenger Drive to end the pursuit.

No one was injured, but Dunaj's 14-year-old son was in the car, according to the criminal complaint.

Dunaj on Wednesday attempted to show that a brain injury precluded him from knowing right from wrong. His lawyer, Timothy Geary, called a mental health expert who testified Dunaj had mental health issues.

Brown County Assistant District Attorney Tom Coaty also called a mental health expert and argued that Dunaj’s attempt to flee was evidence that he was able to know right from wrong and that Dunaj was attempting to avoid punishment.

Brown County Circuit Court Judge Mark Warpinski ruled that Dunaj did not suffer from a mental disease or defect that kept him from realizing the wrongfulness of his actions. The case was handled as a court trial, meaning Warpinski decided the case on his own, versus having the case decided by a jury of 12 citizens.

Dunaj last month pleaded guilty to the drunken-driving charge and rested his case on the option that he be found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect Wednesday. Prosecutors also dismissed several other charges stemming from the chase.

Warpinski set sentencing for Jan. 19. Dunaj faces up to 12 ½ years in prison.

Coaty said it was a “hard trial” but that he was “pleased with the result.”

Geary said both experts had compelling opinions and that it was a close decision.

Nelesen writes for the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Ronald Dunaj

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