MICHIGAN WOMAN RECEIVES STIFF PRISON SENTENCE FOR FELONY DUI

A Michigan woman received a 10-year prison sentence and 5 years of probation today after admitting that she drove under the influence of crack cocaine when she caused a wreck that critically injured a local woman.

Jewel Haeussler, 47, pleaded guilty to felony driving under the influence with great bodily injury. Circuit Judge Mark Hayes issued a 15-year prison sentence that was suspended to 10 years of service, $5,000 fine and 5 years of probation. The sentence includes drug and alcohol treatment, a mental health evaluation and other stipulations.

Patricia Horne, 54, of Inman, sustained multiple head and body trauma in a wreck that occurred Sept. 28, 2007 at the intersection of Highway 29 and Cherry Hill Road. The victim required extensive hospitalization after the wreck. Her medical bills topped $160,000.

The wreck occurred when Haeussler’s vehicle left the right shoulder of the road, struck a utility pole and smashed into the driver side door of Horne’s car. Horne was waiting to turn on to Highway 29 when the wreck occurred, according to Principal Deputy Solicitor Barry Barnette.

Haeussler admitted to smoking three rocks of crack cocaine in an interview with the SC Highway Patrol. Part of a crack pipe was found in her car.

“The defendant’s pathetic acts changed Ms. Horne’s life forever,” Barnette said. “I hope she (the victim) continues to make progress in her recovery.”

Haeussler’s prior criminal record included three prior out-of-state convictions for driving under the influences. One of the DUI cases occurred while she was free on bond for the felony driving under the influence case in South Carolina.

For more information, contact Murray Glenn at 809-4892.