Thompson Pleads Guilty to Obstructing Justice

Effingham resident Wally Thompson has been placed on 30 months' probation after pleading guilty to a count of obstructing justice.

The 51-year-old Thompson had earlier admitted that he left the scene of a collision at Willow and Wabash in Effingham last November that resulted in significant injuries to Kurt Buehnerkemper of Effingham. Buehnerkemper was riding a scooter when he was struck by Thompson's vehicle. He suffered skull and neck injuries and is still undergoing treatment.

Thompson turned himself in to authorities two days after the crash, stating that he had "panicked" after the collision.

Thompson had originally been charged with leaving the scene of an accident where death or injuries resulted. The obstructing justice count to which Thompson pleaded guilty is punishable by up to one to three years in prison, but probation was also an option.

Assistant State's Attorney Scott Ealy said Buehnerkemper has been involved in the proceedings and agreed to the probationary sentence for Thompson, but also wanted a provision that Thompson would be limited to driving only for his employment during the term of his probation, to which Thompson agreed. Thompson was fined $2,500 plus court costs.