Hofer Sentencing Hearing Continued Until October

The sentencing hearing for Melly Hofer has been delayed until October.

The 35-year-old Effingham resident pleaded guilty to aggravated DUI drugs causing death. The charge stems from a crash near Dutch Lane last December 5 that resulted in the death of a Watson teenager.

Hofer admitted that she was under the influence of three different drugs when driving the vehicle that crossed the centerline of US 45 and struck a vehicle driven by 18-year-old Effingham High School senior Brittany Baker.

Effingham County Assistant State's Attorney Scott Ealy said defense attorney Ed Deters filed a motion Monday morning that asked for the delay, saying his client has been ill. Ealy said the prosection had no objection and joined in the motion to delay the sentencing hearing, which is now scheduled for Thursday, October 23 at 1pm.

The Class 2 felony to which Hofer pleaded guilty is punishable by up to three to 14 years in prison, although prosecutors have agreed to seek no more than six years in prison for the offense in exchange for the guilty plea.