Galion Woman Enters Plea on Two Counts of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide

Victoria R. Spear, 21, of Grant Street in Galion Ohio, appeared in Judge Kimbler's courtroom on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, and changed her plea to two counts of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide for causing the death of a passenger in her car on July 17, 2010 on Jeffery Road in Medina County. The Grand Jury issued two charges for her passenger's death.

One charge was for causing the death of her friend by operating her car while she was under the influence of alcohol. The other was for recklessly operating her car and causing her passenger's death. The first charge is a second degree felony and carries a mandatory prison of between two and eight years. The second charge is a third degree felony and carries a prison term of between one and five years. While Ms. Spear can be charged with both counts, and found guilty of both, she can only be sentenced on one charge. During the change of plea hearing, the assistant prosecutor representing the State told Judge Kimbler that the State will choose to have her sentenced on the second degree felony.

Ms. Spear changed her plea on each charge from "not guilty" to "no contest." Judge Kimbler then found her guilty of both charges and referred her for a presentence investigation. Judge Kimbler will impose sentence on March 24, 2011. Since the State did not make a motion for bond revocation, Judge Kimbler continued her bond until sentencing.