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 “is 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 “to make a horrible situation any less tragic.”

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