Followell Pleads Guilty to Role in Fatally Injuring Pedestrian

Altamont resident Nathaniel Followell Friday pleaded guilty to a charge stemming from an incident in January when Followell's vehicle struck a pedestrian along Moccasin Road, fatally injuring the pedestrian.

His sentencing is scheduled for 1pm on June 13.

The 20-year-old Followell pleaded guilty to a felony count of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death. The incident occurred shortly before midnight on Saturday, January 23 about two miles west of Lake Sara. 40-year-old William J. Coleman of Beecher City was fatally injured when struck by a pickup truck driven by Followell. Followell said he left the scene to take his four passengers to another location, since they were underage and had been drinking, so they wouldn't get in trouble for the incident.

Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler said that while his passengers were found to have consumed alcohol and once located were charged with illegal consumption by a minor, Followell was tested more than once and was found to have no alcohol or other drugs in his system.

Followell entered an open plea to his charge, meaning Judge Kimberly Koester will have a full range of sentencing options. The count is a Class 4 felony, meaning Followell could be sentenced to up to one to three years in prison, but probation and/or jail time is an option.

Followell remained in Effingham County Jail at last report on $30,000 bond.