MONTROSE - A Susquehanna County man who admitted his driving at excessive speed killed two pedestrians in New Milford more than a year ago will serve up to five years in prison.
Brett Bennett, 41, of Kingsley, pleaded guilty March 1 to two counts of involuntary manslaughter, admitting he was driving about 80 mph in a 35-mph zone when he struck and killed Brian Thomas and Edwin Turner as they were crossing Route 11 just after 2 a.m. Judge Kenneth Seamans sentenced him Thursday to 16 to 60 months in prison, followed by five years' probation.
He was also sentenced to serve two days to six months for driving under the influence during the crash.
Before Mr. Bennett was sentenced, several witnesses took the stand and spoke on his behalf. His father, Joseph Robert Bennett, 65, told the judge he recently had a heart attack and injured his right shoulder.
"I can't continue to operate the farm without Brett," he said, noting that his other sons have moved out of the area. "We love Brett, he is a good man who has great remorse for what has happened and we ask for leniency."
District Attorney Jason Legg handed a photo of Mr. Turner to the judge and read a note from Mr. Turner's family.
"This could have been avoided," Mr. Legg read. "We have lost a beloved family member. We are not vindictive. But we have to live our lives without Edward, a good-natured son and brother. Many lives have been changed. We hope he will be rehabilitated before he is released, so no one will have to go through what we have."
Mr. Bennett also spoke at the sentencing, apologizing to the victims' families.
"I've been restricted from my daughter because of this, and I understand what it feels like to have someone taken away," he said. "I have no right to ask for leniency, I apologize to my family, and I apologize to the state of Pennsylvania."
Others sentenced Thursday:
- Zachery Michael Brown, 19, of Herrick Center, was sentenced to six to 24 months in county jail and a $150 fine for receiving stolen property in Forest City on June 24; to two years' probation and a $100 fine for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle on July 24; to six to 24 months in county jail and a $150 fine for receiving stolen property on July 2; to six to 24 months in county jail and a $150 fine for receiving stolen property on May 23; to six to 24 months in county jail and a $150 fine for receiving stolen property on July 2; to six to 24 months in county jail and a $125 fine for receiving stolen property on July 10; to six to 24 months in county jail and a $150 fine for receiving stolen property on May 7, 2011; to six to 24 months in county jail and a $150 fine for receiving stolen property on May 3, 2011; and to six to 24 months in county jail and a $150 fine for receiving stolen property on April 8, 2011; all sentences to be served concurrent to the first.
- Gerry Allen Peltz, 42, of Susquehanna, to three to 24 months in county jail and a $200 fine for theft by unlawful taking in Great Bend Twp. on July 6.
- Jeffrey J. Kelly, 43, of Carbondale, to 90 days to 12 months in county jail and a $1,500 fine for driving under the influence in Clifford Twp. on October 2, 2011.
- Robert T. Gulley, 22, of Susquehanna, to 24 months' probation and a $150 fine for simple assault in Susquehanna Borough on March 31.
Contact the writer: pfarnelli@independentweekender.com