An Elmore man has been ordered to spend at least three years in prison for this involvement in a drug related car crash that claimed the life of a 67 year old woman in Faribault County last December.
Sixty three year old Michael Johnson was sentenced Monday in Faribault County District Court in connection with the death of 67 year old Patricia Bathke of Wells.
Investigators says Johnson was traveling on Highway 22, south of Minnesota Lake, when he struck a car occupied by Bathke and her husband, 69 year old Richard Bathke, head on.
Johnson appeared to be under the influence of drugs and methamphetamine was found in his car, according to the court complaint.
Johnson had earlier pleaded guilty to felony counts of criminal vehicular homicide, criminal vehicular operation and a drug charge.
Judge Troy Timmerman sentenced Johnson to 57 months in prison, which is the maximum recommended under state guidelines.
Johnson likely faces a two and a half years in prison with credit being given for six months already served.