Failed Drug Test Could Get Man Longer Sentence in Deadly Crash

Prosecutors say a man who pleaded guilty in a northeast Pennsylvania crash that killed a child deserves a longer-than-usual sentence, citing a positive drug test.

Twenty-four-year-old Thomas Letteer Jr. of Plains Township pleaded guilty in Luzerne County to accidents involving death, a second-degree felony carrying a one-year mandatory term. Prosecutors are seeking a term between two and 10 years in the accident that killed 5-year-old Kevin Miller in Wilkes-Barre a few days before Christmas in 2012.

Prosecutors alleged in a sentencing memorandum Monday that Letteer has tested positive for marijuana and diluted drug-test samples. They said he β€œis more concerned about getting high” than following the court's orders.

Prosecutors acknowledge that Letteer didn't intend to kill but said he didn't do anything β€œto make a horrible situation any less tragic.”

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