Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Paul Finnegan, 21, Silver Lake, recently was sentenced for his part in the May 18, 2002, drunk driving accident that killed Andrew Cook.
Finnegan was scheduled for trial later this month but pleaded guilty, per plea agreement, to causing the death of another person while driving while intoxicated, a Class C felony. A second charge, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, a Class C felony, was dismissed per the plea agreement.
According to his judgment orders, statements in Finnegan's favor were made by Jeffery Cook, a relative of Andrew Cook, and Lynzy Kipker, a classmate and friend, that caused Judge Joe Sutton, of Kosciusko Superior Court 3, to believe Finnegan is "truly remorseful."
Sutton took Finnegan's remorse as a mitigating factor, but also took aggravating factors, such as the seriousness of the crime, into consideration. In the judgment order, Sutton said the two factors offset each other.
Finnegan was sentenced to four years in prison. His sentence can be spent in work release if he is qualified and accepted.
As part of his sentence, Finnegan's driver's license is suspened for two years and he must pay $400 in fines. Also, he must obtain an alcohol and substance abuse evaluation and undergo any recommended counseling.
Finnegan also was sentenced recently in White County for charges of resisting law enforcement and possession of paraphernalia, both Class A misdemeanors.
Finnegan was sentenced to one year in jail, to be served consecutive to his Kosciusko County charges.
