The driver that fatally hit Nicki Minaj’s dad, on Long Island, was given one year in prison, on Wednesday. His widow has called the punishment “a slap in the face.”
72-year-old Charles Polevich, a businessman, confessed to hitting Robert Minaj. He then left him on the street in Mineola, New York, in February 2021.
“One year? That’s a slap in the face for the family,” Carol Minaj, Nicki’s mom said. “He just left him on the street like a dog.”
Polevich had pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident causing death and tampering with evidence. His license was suspended for six months, and he was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
The judge scolded Polevich for his “cold and callous reaction” to hitting the 64-year-old electrician. He added that “the criminality here was a result of the defendant leaving the scene.”
However, it was found that Polevich received a light sentence because he had no prior criminal history. He also wasn’t under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Additionally, “his criminality…was not the cause of death.”
Prosecutors were seeking a one to three-year sentence. However, he will likely only serve eight months out of the one year he was given.
“… feel deep sadness and remorse for the loss of Robert Minaj’s life. I feel compassion for his wife, Mrs. Minaj and family. I had no malicious intent and completely accept responsibility for my actions,” Polevich stated in court.
After the crash, Polevich had exited his vehicle and asked Minaj if he was okay before leaving in his car. He drove home, parked his car in the garage, and covered it with a tarp.
Polevich’s lawyer said that the autopsy showed that Minaj had alcohol in his system at the time of his death.
“I don’t want to disparage anybody. But, there were substances in the autopsy report that Mr. Minaj appears to have been under the influence. I’m not saying that minimizes Mr. Polevich’s criminal conduct or criminal responsibility,” stated his lawyer, Marc Gann.
