Bradenton woman sentenced to prison for 2020 hit-and-run incident

Key Information

• Defendant: Teresa Ann Zeppi, 59, of Bradenton
• Charges: Leaving the scene of an accident with injury or death, destroying evidence
• Conviction Date: March 6, 2023
• Sentence: Minimum four-year prison term, 120 hours of community service, five-year driver’s license suspension
• Time Served: 45 days; 320 days remaining
• Incident Date: April 25, 2020
• Victim: Joseph Richard Dralus

During the proceedings, the defense called six witnesses to testify, including Zeppi’s daughter. They highlighted her struggles with poor mental health and emphasized the need for treatment, arguing that jail time would exacerbate her condition.

In contrast, the State contended that Zeppi could receive the necessary mental health services while incarcerated. They requested a minimum four-year prison sentence for Zeppi.

Having already completed 45 days in jail, Zeppi has 320 days remaining on her sentence.

“This is a sentence Teresa can come back from, so overall I’m very happy with the end result today,” stated her attorney, Brett McIntosh.

Although the Dralus family did not testify, they expressed their gratitude following the sentencing. They thanked the State and the Manatee County Court, as well as the neighbors, friends, and family who supported them throughout the legal process.

On March 6, 2023, Teresa Ann Zeppi was convicted of leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in injury or death and for destroying evidence.

Along with her sentence, Zeppi is required to complete 120 hours of community service, and her driver’s license has been suspended for five years. With the time she has already served, she is anticipated to be released before year’s end.

The incident occurred on April 25, 2020, when Zeppi, driving her Lincoln Navigator, struck Joseph Richard Dralus as he walked on the shoulder of 9th Avenue NW, west of 83rd St. NW.

Following the collision, Zeppi fled the scene. Surveillance footage captured her vehicle leaving the area, and the video later shows her exiting the vehicle and wiping something off the front right corner before driving away.

Dralus was critically injured and transported to Blake Medical Facility. The following day, his son Chris reported to the Florida Highway Patrol that he discovered a vehicle matching the accident’s description parked at a home in Bradenton.

Troopers visited the residence but received no answer at the door. Upon returning later that evening, they spotted a woman fitting the suspect’s description in the window. Kirk Zeppi, the vehicle’s registered owner, answered the door but refused to allow officers to speak with his wife, citing advice from their attorney.

On April 27, 2020, State Troopers returned to the residence, where Kirk Zeppi once again requested to wait for their attorney before inquiries began. Attorney Brett McIntosh arrived, and the troopers stated their intention to secure a search warrant for the vehicle. McIntosh asserted that the highway patrol could take the vehicle without a warrant but refused to provide any statements at that time.

Tragically, on May 21, 2020, Draius succumbed to his injuries. A search warrant was executed on the Lincoln Navigator on September 14, after which DNA evidence matched Draius’s profile to evidence found in the vehicle. Following a thorough investigation, Zeppi was arrested on January 11, 2022.