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5/13/2008 10:57:00 AM
Illegal immigrant sentenced for perjury in fatal wreck

By Chris Schilling
Reporter

An illegal immigrant who drove the wrong way on U.S. 31, hitting and killing another driver, was sentenced this morning to a year of probation.

Maria E. Garcia, 30, of Columbus, testified she was pregnant at the time of the wreck in September and accidently turned south in the northbound lanes of U.S. 31 near Lowell Road when she began experiencing contractions.

Garcia's vehicle hit a northbound vehicle driven by Russell Kelsay, 61, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Garcia was taken to the hospital, where she gave birth.

She was charged with perjury, a Class D felony, because she used a fake Social Security number to obtain a driver's license.

Bartholomew Circuit Court Judge Stephen Heimann said he does not connect the tragic accident with the perjury.

"She could have just as well been in this accident without ever obtaining the license," he said.

The judge said he will notify immigration authorities so that they can begin deportation proceedings if they so choose.



http://www.therepublic.com/main.asp?Sec ... eID=120231