Schenectady woman pleads guilty to role in 2023 trooper shooting

DUANESBURG, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Schenectady County District Attorney's Office announced that Alicia Eriole, 31, of Schenectady, pleaded guilty on Friday to second-degree criminal facilitation for her role in the 2023 shooting of New York State trooper Richard Albert. Eriole was taken into custody last June in the wake of the incident.

The initial investigation by state police alleged that on June 16, 2023, Nelson Troche, Eriole's boyfriend at the time, shot Trooper Albert during a traffic stop on I-88 near Duanesburg. Eriole was the vehicle's driver at the time of the shooting.

As part of her guilty plea, Eriole admitted to assisting Troche in the moments leading up to the incident, by rolling down the driver's side window and reclining her seat while Troche reached across her and opened fire. The shooting initiated a pursuit that resulted in multiple car crashes, Eriole's arrest, and Troche's death.

Eriole was originally accused of robbery and weapons possession in addition to the criminal facilitation charge. Her trial was scheduled to begin on September 30.

"Ms. Eriole was not armed and there is no proof that she helped plan the shooting, but at every step of the way she helped her boyfriend, including reclining her driver's seat to enable Mr. Troche to reach across and shoot Trooper Albert," District Attorney Robert Carney stated. "On behalf of our community, I commend Trooper Albert for his actions that day. Throughout this terrifying encounter, Trooper Albert acted with courage, resilience and professionalism. We are all fortunate that he is today alive and well."

In her plea, Eriole agreed to a sentence of four to 12 years in state prison. Her sentencing is scheduled for December 5.