Highmore Man Indicted for Vehicular Homicide

(Pierre) –On Thursday, the Hyde County Grand Jury charged 19 year old Scott Pekarek of Highmore with vehicular homicide in the death of Jamie Kusser of Highmore.  The rollover occurred on December 22, 2002 while Pekarek was driving on a gravel road in Hyde County.  Pekarek was also charged with Driving Under the Influence of an Alcoholic Beverage and Vehicular Battery.  The Vehicular Battery charge resulted from injuries sustained by another passenger in the vehicle.    

Pekarek is awaiting his initial appearance before the circuit court on March 3rd at the Hyde County Courthouse.  Vehicular homicide is a class 3 felony which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine.

Pekarek’s prosecution is being handled by the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office and the Hyde County States Attorney.

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