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The 64-year-old driver of a vehicle that crossed the centerline on Pioneer Trail, rural Wyoming in 2024 resulting in two fatalities—was sentenced last week to perform community work service.

The crash happened about 11 a.m. April 26, 2024.  One victim,  Debbra, was the defendant’s wife. The name for the second victim was withheld although it is known he was a brother-in-law of the second driver Victoria Mely.

As a result of the plea entered March 19 this year, Richard John Pojanowski, of Lindstrom, acknowledged a misdemeanor careless driving offense in crossing the centerline.    

Chisago County Attorney Janet Reiter noted the victim impact statement received from the second driver did not seek jail or any criminal consequences for Pojanowski.  

“The sentence is consistent with a misdemeanor careless driving” charge, the county attorney stated.  

Accident reconstruction performed by the state patrol found no indication of operating the vehicle in a grossly negligent manner.  County Attorney Reiter added the defendant was not impaired by alcohol consumption or controlled substances. He told officers upon responding that he fell asleep.

Judge Bridgid Dowdal ordered Pojanowski to perform 126 hours of community work service and write a letter of apology which he is supposed to turn into probation staff.  A fine of approximately $500 was imposed.

He is on supervised probation for one year and must remain law abiding.  A stayed sentence of 90 days awaits if he fails to comply with conditions of the supervision.

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