HARRISBURG, Pa. – A Pennsylvania state trooper convicted of vehicular homicide for causing a fatal crash last year was sentenced Friday to a prison term of six to 23 months, the state’s attorney general announced.
Michael J. Brown, 36, was sentenced in Tioga County Court after being found guilty in May of homicide by vehicle. Brown will report to prison on November 1, and in addition to his sentence, he has been ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and more than $4,000 in restitution for funeral expenses.
The crash occurred when Brown, who was off-duty at the time, attempted to pass another car on Route 6 in Sullivan Township. His Jeep crossed double yellow lines and collided with an oncoming vehicle, killing 47-year-old Christine Woodward, a local teacher and mother.
“No one is above the law, including those sworn to uphold it,” said Attorney General Michelle Henry. “The defendant’s reckless actions led to the tragic death of a devoted mother and teacher.”
In addition to the homicide conviction, the judge found Brown guilty of three traffic violations following the jury’s verdict.