The wife of a prominent Oklahoma tax attorney has gained early release from prison after serving only 73 days of an eight-year sentence for a drunk-driving crash that left a 20-year-old woman in a coma.
The Crash Details
Sarah Polston struck Micaela Borrego’s vehicle with her Cadillac Escalade in February 2023 in Norman, Oklahoma. Traveling at 66 mph in a 25 mph zone, Polston had a blood alcohol level of 0.158 percent—nearly twice the legal limit—according to the arrest affidavit.
En route to pick up her children, Polston stopped at a liquor store and ignored multiple stop signs before the collision at the fourth one.
Severe Impact on Victim
Borrego endured critical injuries, including weeks in a coma that impaired her ability to speak, eat, and walk. Now at an outpatient facility, she battles a severe speech impediment and relies on physical and occupational therapy. Her mother, Krista Borrego, describes her life as forever changed.
Sentence and Quick Release
Married to attorney Rod Polston, Sarah pleaded guilty to DUI in October. A judge imposed a 15-year term in December, suspending all but eight years. Her attorney highlighted a $5 million insurance payment to Borrego’s family, community service, and sobriety progress.
Oklahoma’s prison overcrowding policy enabled her Thursday release from Dr. Eddie Warrior Correctional Center. She now faces GPS monitoring and home confinement.
Outrage from Family and Prosecutor
Krista Borrego voiced frustration: “It just feels very privileged. This is not normal.” She continued, “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 condemned the outcome: “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 identified 21 similar releases for lesser crimes, such as drug trafficking and auto burglaries, unlike this case with lasting victim harm.
Corrections Department’s Policy
The Oklahoma Department of Corrections explains its GPS program reintegrates eligible inmates under strict oversight, including home confinement, work release, and treatment. Violations lead to reincarceration.
Qualifiers include non-disqualifying offenses, no prior record, sentences of 10 years or less (or within three years of release), and minimum 30 days served. Polston qualified due to her clean record, treatment success, and community service. Officials approved her placement on February 11 after review.
