WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) – A Warren woman has admitted her part in a crash that caused serious, life-changing injuries to another driver.
Jamie Franks pleaded guilty Wednesday in Trumbull County Pleas court in front of Judge Sean O’Brien. The plea was to an amended indictment charging her with aggravated vehicular assault and operating a vehicle under the influence. The charges stemmed from the January 3 three-car crash in Bazetta that seriously hurt JiJuan Darrington.
Bazetta police say Darrington and the car in front of him were stopped on Elm Road while another car was turning left at the intersection of Beaver Trail. Investigators say Franks failed to stop and ran into Darrington’s vehicle, which was pushed into the car in front of his. Prosecutors say the accident left Darrington confined to a wheelchair and substantially paralyzed.
The charges carry a mandatory prison sentence ranging from one to five years. Police say Franks’ BAC was almost double the legal limit.
“I want to consult with the victim prior to making any type of recommendation to the court, but this was an extremely bad injury that JiJuan Darrington sustained in this crash,” said Assistant Prosecutor Michael Burnett. “So, I think that we’ll be asking for a substantial prison sentence.”
Franks was ordered to undergo a presentencing investigation. Her sentencing hearing will be set at a later date.
