Connecticut Man Pleads to DUI Charges in Crash That Caused Death of 40-Year-Old Motorist

Connecticut Man Pleads to DUI Charges in Crash That Caused Death of 40-Year-Old Motorist

Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced today that James Beattie (age 41), of Connecticut, pleaded nolo contendere before Providence County Superior Court Justice Joseph A. Montalbano to charges of driving under the influence, death and personal injury resulting, and driving to endanger, death and personal injury resulting, stemming from a 2017 automobile crash which claimed the life of a 40-year-old man and injured two others.

Under the plea agreement, Beattie was sentenced to 15 years in prison with 9 years and 6 months to serve at the Adult Correctional Institution and the remainder suspended with probation. In addition, Beattie must pay a $5,000 fine and, upon release, his license will be suspended for no less than five years. Beattie was sentenced at a hearing on Tuesday, February 26, 2019.

Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to show that on January 29, 2017, Beattie was driving on Route 101 in Foster and crossed the center line into oncoming traffic and struck the victims head on. An investigation determined that Beattie had cocaine and marijuana in his system at the time of the crash. Orlando Colon was pronounced dead on scene, and two other victims were injured in the crash.

The crash was investigated by the Rhode Island State Police. Assistant Attorney General Jay Sullivan prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of Attorney General.