Man Pleads Guilty in Clay County Crash Case That Resulted in Two Deaths

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Published on May 16 2019 3:02 pm
Last Updated on May 16 2019 3:02 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 pleaded guilty.

Clay County State's Attorney Andrew Koester said that 63-year-old Walter B. Pollock Thursday pleaded guilty to a Class 2 felony count of aggravated driving under the influence of drugs, which resulted in the death of two persons.

The incident occurred on July 27, 2017 on Route 50 near Stanford Road. Pollock was driving a semi-trailer truck while under the influence of drugs. State police say Pollock's rig 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 collision.

Under the terms of the plea, Pollock is eligible to receive a sentence of no less than six years and no more than 15 years in prison. The Clay County State's Attorney Office and presiding judge Kimberly Koester both have agreed to the sentencing cap. Pollock is to be sentenced on July 23.

Andrew Koester praised investigative work done by Illinois State Police and the Flora Police Department in the case. Judge Joel Powless began the prosecution of the case prior to his appointment to the bench, and Koester took over the case when named State's Attorney.