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Dakota County deputy-in-training sentenced

He told the victim's family in court that he was "deeply sorry" for careless driving that caused a fatal accident.

By JIM ADAMS, Star Tribune

Last update: May 14, 2008 - 1:13 AM

A Dakota County deputy-in-training will have his driver's license suspended for a year and was ordered Tuesday to do 40 hours of community service for careless driving that killed a motorcyclist last August.

Joshua J. Williams, 29, of Hastings, was convicted in April of a misdemeanor for illegally turning in front of a motorcycle that hit his squad car, killing Bill Wallace, 58. He was riding his Harley-Davidson near his house in Farmington.

Scott County Chief Judge William Macklin also put Williams on probation for a year and fined him $380. He will have to apply for a work permit to drive to his job. His 40 hours of service will include talking to new drivers and police training recruits about his experience, said Paul Scoggin, an assistant Hennepin County attorney who prosecuted the case to avoid a potential conflict of interest for Dakota County.

Before he was sentenced, Williams faced Wallace's family members and said "he was deeply sorry for what happened," his attorney Fred Bruno said. "It was heartfelt and moving." He said the sentence was typical for a careless driving misdemeanor. Because the offense was a moving violation causing a death, the state will revoke Williams' license for a year, he said.

Wallace's father, two sisters, a brother and others were there, said one of the sisters, Bonnie Pitsenburger of Farmington. Wallace was riding to her house the day he died.

"It was overwhelming. He could never be replaced. I was stunned with the outcome," she said. "A life was lost. Forty hours to me just doesn't seem adequate enough."

The crash occurred Aug. 30 when Williams was driving with his training officer south on Hwy. 3 in Empire Township to respond to a house lockout call about 7:20 p.m. The State Patrol said Williams moved into the bypass lane on the right then began to turn left onto W. 200th Street. Wallace, driving behind Williams, struck the left front side of the squad car. Williams was driving without lights or siren to the non-emergency call.

Williams has been a Dakota County court bailiff since the crash. Chief Deputy Sheriff Dave Bellows said Williams will continue non-driving court security duties while an internal investigation of his conduct is done.

Jim Adams • 612-673-7658

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