Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
RICHFIELD — A Sevier County judge has sentenced a Utah woman to two years in jail and five years of probation after she pleaded guilty to reduced charges of causing a crash that killed a Richfield man.
Lesia Ann Allred, 55, who is homeless according to police, admitted to causing the death of Clinton Duane Henrie, 47, of Richfield, through negligence.
Henrie's mother, sister, wife and children presented statements during the sentencing hearing, and Allred made comments directed toward the family.
Henrie died in a head-on crash on May 27, 2021. Allred, who was driving a 2010 Chevy Tahoe, crossed into oncoming traffic and hit a 2012 Chevy Malibu, according to a police booking affidavit. Police reported that the crash may have been the result of a suicide attempt by Allred.
"A preliminary analysis showed that the Tahoe was at full acceleration at the time of the collision, consistent with a deliberate action," the affidavit states.
Video from a nearby restaurant showed Allred appearing to make a deliberate turn into oncoming traffic, and then accelerate, according to the arrest report. It also said medical records show she had recently told staff members at a hospital that she was suicidal.
Allred was charged about four months after the crash with murder, a first-degree felony; and aggravated assault causing serious injury, a second-degree felony.
She pleaded guilty to reduced charges of automobile homicide, a second-degree felony which carries a maximum prison term of one to 15 years, and negligently operating a vehicle resulting in serious injury, a third-degree felony, which carries a maximum prison term of zero to five years in prison.
Sixth District Judge Marvin D. Bagley sentenced Allred to those prison terms, but suspended them in favor of one year in jail for each charge, to be served consecutively, and five years of probation. Allred could still serve those prison terms if she does not successfully complete jail and probation.
He also ordered her to pay $5,000 to the victim's family in the case, and said she is not allowed to drive during her five years of probation, unless the driving is to help her pay the required restitution and is approved by her probation officer.
Others have filed requests for additional restitution, money paid by people who are convicted to help victims of the crimes they committed, since the sentence was given. These requests will either be agreed to by Allred or considered by the judge at another hearing.
