BUFFALO, NY – On Friday, 39-year-old Jessica A. Novak of Akron was sentenced to 3 to 9 years in prison for causing a fatal crash while high on methamphetamines, according to Erie County District Attorney John Flynn.
Flynn said on January 19, 2021, at approximately 12:50 p.m., the defendant was driving at a high-rate of speed, while under the influence of methamphetamine on Main Street in the Town of Clarence when her vehicle crossed into a turning lane and crashed into another vehicle that was making a left turn onto Goodrich Road.
“The driver of that vehicle, 65-year-old Jeanette Helms of Clarence, was fatally injured and died at the scene. The defendant was taken to ECMC with various injuries,” Flynn said. “The defendant’s reckless actions caused a chain reaction collision involving two additional vehicles. The drivers of those vehicles suffered minor injuries.”
Novak pleaded guilty to one count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class “C” felony), the highest sustainable charge, on February 2, 2022.