Missouri Trucker Gets 11-Year Prison Term in Clay County

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Published on August 27 2019 3:57 pm
Last Updated on August 27 2019 3:57 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

A Sikeston, Missouri man involved in a crash in Flora that resulted in the deaths of two other drivers has been sentenced to 11 years in prison.

64-year-old Walter Pollock was driving a semi on US Route 50 near Stanford Road on July 27, 2017 while under the influence of drugs. State police say Pollock's semi crossed the centerline of the highway and struck a minivan driven by Eric Bosel of Noble, then struck a utility vehicle driven by Jacob Stewart of Olney. Both the Bosel vehicle and the Stewart vehicle caught fire after the collisions. 

Pollock pleaded guilty in May to aggravated driving under the influence of drugs. Under the terms of the plea, Pollock was eligible to receive a sentence of no less than six years and no more than 15 years in prison.

In court Tuesday, Judge Kimberly Koester sentenced Pollock to the 11-year prison term. He will serve two years' mandatory supervised release once out of prison and will make restitution to the victims' families for funeral expenses.

Clay County State's Attorney Andrew Koester sought the maximum 15-year sentence, but said he respected the Court's ruling in the matter. Koester thanked Illinois State Police and Flora Police Department for their work in the case.