We often think of law enforcement officials as law-abiding citizens. After all, their job is to ensure others uphold the law. However, nobody's perfect and even Massachusetts state troopers can be charged with breaking the law. This may be the case for a Massachusetts trooper who allegedly caused a fatal crash in Plymouth on Sept. 22 while driving drunk.
The trooper allegedly caused a crash that killed a mother and daughter. The 64-year-old woman died at the accident scene, while the daughter, 23, died later at a local hospital. The trooper was not on duty when the crash occurred. He has been charged with several crimes, including negligent operation, drunk driving and unlawful possession of a firearm while under the influence.
Plymouth police are still investigating the cause of the crash. It is possible that more charges could be filed against the trooper for his role in the fatal accident.
If convicted, the trooper faces serious criminal charges, including aggravated DUI. Although a DUI is typically a misdemeanor, when serious injuries or death occur as a result of intoxication, the stakes suddenly become higher. Harsher punishment can be inflicted upon the liable party. Because he had a firearm in his possession at the time of the accident, he may face even more penalties. Penalties may include jail time, fines, community service, enrollment in a substance abuse program and license suspension. He may even lose his job, as well as his eligibility to work in the law enforcement field again.
It is important to remember that those charged with crimes are innocent until proven guilty. A trial will determine if a judge and jury find the man guilty of the charges. Evidence, such as blood alcohol tests and witness accounts, may be used to prove that the trooper was negligent.
Source: The Republic, "Mass. state trooper charged with drunk driving in crash that killed woman, daughter" No author given, Sep. 28, 2013