NFS/WLE
Carroll County Common Pleas Court sentances Garrison in death case.
Edward L. Hale
News Leader/Mr. Thrifty News Correspondent
Alliance man sentenced in Carroll County death case
Carroll County Common Pleas Court Judge Dominick Olivito, held the fate of Dennis William Garrison, 38, of 454 West Columbia St. Alliance, in his hands Jan 9, 2008 as Garrison and his attorney Ryan Styer sat in the courtroom for change of plea and sentencing.
Garrison, caused the death of his six-year-old nephew, Seth Garrison, while operating an ATV which he crashed near Perrysville, south of Carrollton on May 8, 2007 in Perry Twp.
It was reported at the time an alleged deer was crossing in front of his path while he was operating the ATV with his nephew. Seth Garrison was thrown off from the ATV and was not wearing a helmet when the ATV crashed. The boy died from massive brain injuries and massive hemorrhaging of the brain. Garrison had a suspended drivers license at the time.
Garrison was secretly indicted back on July 9 by a Carroll County grand jury on one count of aggravated vehicular homicide, a 2nd degree felony.
Garrison was indicted a second time on Nov 5 by a Carroll County grand jury on one count of aggravated vehicular homicide, when new evidence was presented. According to Carroll County Prosecutor Donald R. Burns Jr it was alleged that Garrison was driving with a prohibited concentration of marijuana in his system.
Attorney Styer presented statement to the court that " Dennis struggles with the remorse along with fears and understands that nothing can bring Seth back. " Garrison was asked by Judge Olivito if her understood the nature of the offense. Styer remarked " My client fully understands the nature of the offense and is here today to change his plea. "
Garrison waived his right to have a jury trail and changed his plea from Not Guilty to a change of Guilty. Judge Olivito accepted the change of plea and advised Garrison that the maximum sentence he could face would be 2-8 years with a maximum of $15,000 fine. Garrison was permitted to make a statement during the proceedings and as tears rolled down his face, he turned to the victims family and apologized for the loss of Seth.
Judge Olivito sentenced Garrison to four years in Ohio Department of Corrections prison, along with eight years license suspension on the aggravated vehicular homicide charge, 2nd degree felony.
Judge Olivito made one final statement to Garrison before court was adjourned. " You are permitted to spend the rest of the day with your sister and that by noon Jan 10, you are turn yourself in at the Carroll County Sheriff's Office. If you fail to do so you will be facing another charge."
Garrison had remained free from jail on a $50,000 own recognize bond from the court until his change of plea and sentencing. Garrison will be able to file for judicial release 180 days after his prison terms begins.
** Photos taken by Edward L. Hale 01-09-2008 **
Photos are of Attorney Ryan Styer (L) and Garrison (R)
Carroll County Common Pleas Court sentances Garrison in death case.
Edward L. Hale
News Leader/Mr. Thrifty News Correspondent
Alliance man sentenced in Carroll County death case
Carroll County Common Pleas Court Judge Dominick Olivito, held the fate of Dennis William Garrison, 38, of 454 West Columbia St. Alliance, in his hands Jan 9, 2008 as Garrison and his attorney Ryan Styer sat in the courtroom for change of plea and sentencing.
Garrison, caused the death of his six-year-old nephew, Seth Garrison, while operating an ATV which he crashed near Perrysville, south of Carrollton on May 8, 2007 in Perry Twp.
It was reported at the time an alleged deer was crossing in front of his path while he was operating the ATV with his nephew. Seth Garrison was thrown off from the ATV and was not wearing a helmet when the ATV crashed. The boy died from massive brain injuries and massive hemorrhaging of the brain. Garrison had a suspended drivers license at the time.
Garrison was secretly indicted back on July 9 by a Carroll County grand jury on one count of aggravated vehicular homicide, a 2nd degree felony.
Garrison was indicted a second time on Nov 5 by a Carroll County grand jury on one count of aggravated vehicular homicide, when new evidence was presented. According to Carroll County Prosecutor Donald R. Burns Jr it was alleged that Garrison was driving with a prohibited concentration of marijuana in his system.
Attorney Styer presented statement to the court that " Dennis struggles with the remorse along with fears and understands that nothing can bring Seth back. " Garrison was asked by Judge Olivito if her understood the nature of the offense. Styer remarked " My client fully understands the nature of the offense and is here today to change his plea. "
Garrison waived his right to have a jury trail and changed his plea from Not Guilty to a change of Guilty. Judge Olivito accepted the change of plea and advised Garrison that the maximum sentence he could face would be 2-8 years with a maximum of $15,000 fine. Garrison was permitted to make a statement during the proceedings and as tears rolled down his face, he turned to the victims family and apologized for the loss of Seth.
Judge Olivito sentenced Garrison to four years in Ohio Department of Corrections prison, along with eight years license suspension on the aggravated vehicular homicide charge, 2nd degree felony.
Judge Olivito made one final statement to Garrison before court was adjourned. " You are permitted to spend the rest of the day with your sister and that by noon Jan 10, you are turn yourself in at the Carroll County Sheriff's Office. If you fail to do so you will be facing another charge."
Garrison had remained free from jail on a $50,000 own recognize bond from the court until his change of plea and sentencing. Garrison will be able to file for judicial release 180 days after his prison terms begins.
** Photos taken by Edward L. Hale 01-09-2008 **
Photos are of Attorney Ryan Styer (L) and Garrison (R)