Sarah Polston, wife of prominent Oklahoma tax attorney Rod Polston, walked free from prison after serving just 73 days of an eight-year sentence for a drunk-driving crash that severely injured 20-year-old Micaela Borrego.
Details of the Devastating Crash
In February 2023, Polston drove her Cadillac Escalade at 66 mph through a 25 mph zone in Norman, Oklahoma. Authorities measured her blood alcohol content at 0.158 percent—nearly twice the legal limit. She ran multiple stop signs before slamming into Borrego’s vehicle, leaving the young woman in critical condition and a weeks-long coma.
Borrego now faces lifelong challenges, including a severe speech impediment. She requires ongoing physical and occupational therapy and struggles with basic functions like speaking, eating, and walking.
Sentencing and Rapid Release
Polston pleaded guilty to DUI charges in October. In December, a judge imposed a 15-year sentence, suspending all but eight years. Her attorney highlighted a $5 million insurance payout to Borrego’s family, along with Polston’s community service and sobriety efforts.
Oklahoma’s prison overcrowding policy enabled her early release from Dr. Eddie Warrior Correctional Center on Thursday. Equipped with a GPS monitor, Polston now serves the remainder under home confinement. Officials confirm she had no prior criminal record and met all eligibility criteria, including successful treatment and community service.
Outrage from Victim’s Family and Prosecutors
Micaela’s mother, Krista Borrego, expressed deep frustration. “It just feels very privileged. This is not normal,” she stated. “She has a severe speech impediment. She still has to go to physical therapy and occupational therapy. Her life is forever changed, and she should not be the only one suffering the consequences of Sarah Polston.”
Cleveland County District Attorney Jennifer Austin voiced similar concerns. “This is not what the law intends: that a victim can almost be killed and 70 days later, they’re released. We have to do better. This is not okay,” Austin said. She reviewed 21 similar releases, noting those cases involved less severe offenses like drug possession or auto burglaries, without life-altering victim impact.
Austin had expected Polston to serve at least 24 months before parole eligibility. “[The judge] gave her eight years, and with the stroke of a pen, the Department of Corrections was able to unravel that,” Krista Borrego added.
Oklahoma Department of Corrections Explains Program
The Oklahoma Department of Corrections defends its Global Positioning Satellite Program, which reintegrates eligible inmates under strict supervision. Participants face home confinement, work release, or community treatment, with continuous monitoring by probation officers. Violations lead to reincarceration.
Eligibility requires convictions for qualifying offenses, no disqualifying factors, and at least 30 days served in a minimum-security facility for sentences of 10 years or less. Polston qualified after review by the Population and Classification unit on February 11.
