Friday's Internet Edition, November 21, 2008.
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| Plastic flamingos perch in front of the Jacksonville Daily Progress |
Progress News Writer - The man who officials say is partly responsible for causing the auto accident that took the life of a 5-year-old Flint girl has been officially charged in a Smith County Court.
Junior Earl Jameson Jr., 29, of Teaselville, was indicted after pleading not guilty to charges of evading arrest and causing death to another, according to the Smith County District Attorney’s office. He has been in jail since the accident on May 14.
Smith County Assistant District Attorney Jim Huggler said Jameson was looking at five-to-99 years in prison, or a life sentence, and up to a $10,000 fine, if convicted.
He was arrested after leading police on a high speed pursuit through the Shadybrook community, which resulted in the accident that took the life of 5-year-old Donna Morales of Flint and seriously injured her mother, Misty. The pursuing Department of Public Safety patrol car ran a stop sign and hit the truck, driven by Misty Morales. Minutes later, Jameson wrecked his own car, where police arrested him.
“The grand jury determined probable cause and formally charged Jameson with the second degree felony,” Huggler said.
Huggler said the felony was enhanced to a first-degree felony because of time Jameson served in a Missouri prison prior to the Shadybrook accident.
District Judge Diane DeVasto appointed Tyler attorney Buck Files to defend Jameson, who claimed to be unable to pay for his legal aid. Jameson’s court date is set for Oct. 1. and a pretrial date has been set for Aug. 27.
Both Files and his client declined to comment to the Daily Progress.
Prosecutors will seek life in prison for Jameson, said District Attorney Jack Skeen.
Earlier, Jameson also pleaded not guilty to charges of possession of a controlled substance and failure to appear in court in Cherokee County, said Cherokee County Sheriff James Campbell.
Jameson has been moved to the Smith County jail and remains there in lieu of bond.
The mother of Donna Morales and her attorney have said a decision will made after an investigation is complete over whether the family will file suit against the DPS.
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Cristin Ross can be reached via e-mail at cross@jacksonvilleprogress.com.