SENTENCED: One year of "conditional jail time" for drunk driver whose passenger died in crash

KENOSHA COUNTY (WITI) -- He pleaded guilty to homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle in connection with a drunk driving crash that killed his passenger, and on Thursday, January 29th, 30-year-old Christopher Orozco was sentenced.

A judge sentenced Orozco to five years in prison and five years of extended supervision -- but that sentence was stayed. Orozco was instead placed on probation for 10 years. However, Orozco will serve one year of "conditional jail" time, with credit for four days served. He was taken into custody following his sentencing hearing.

Orozco has been ordered to pay a fine and court costs, and his driver's license has been suspended for five years. He will also likely be ordered to pay restitution to the victim's family.

A homicide by use of a vehicle with a prohibited alcohol content charge filed against Orozco was dismissed as a result of his guilty plea, as were three traffic citations, to include a first OWI offense.

The crash happened on June 8th, and shut down U.S. Highway 45 north of State Highway 50.

Kenosha County Sheriff’s officials say a single vehicle was traveling southbound on Highway 45 when the driver lost control of the vehicle in a curve.

The vehicle slid sideways into the west ditch and struck a culvert — which caused the vehicle to roll multiple times.

The vehicle then struck a fire hydrant and utility pole — snapping the utility pole off.

Sheriff’s officials say the vehicle was occupied by two local men — who were on their way home from the Stumble Inn Tavern — located at Highway 45 and State Highway 142.

27-year-old Brian Smith from the Town of Salem was killed in the crash. Orozco was taken to the hospital for treatment of his injuries. He was placed under arrest for homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle.

A We Energies crew was dispatched to the scene to replace the utility pole.

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