JOLIET — A Manteno man was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in prison for causing a 2024 crash that killed a 39-year-old Beecher man who was the father of three and stepfather of five.
Myles Swets 29, previously pleaded guilty to aggravated driving under the influence in the crash that killed Matthew Eisele, 39.
On Jan. 15, 2024, Swets was driving a Saturn Vue on West Pauling Road in Monee while under the influence of drugs when he struck the victim’s vehicle going 62 mph in a 40-mph zone. At the time of the crash, Eisele's vehicle was parked on the side of the road providing roadside assistance to another motorist. The impact of the crash was captured on a resident’s security camera, showing Swets' vehicle caused the crash.
"This case is a tragic reminder of the consequences of impaired driving," Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow said in a news release. "Getting behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated is a choice that endangers the driver’s life and the life of everyone on the roadway. It is unacceptable. Matthew Eisele lost his life while lawfully parked on the side of the road helping his stepdaughter, and his family will live with that loss forever.
"Our role is to seek justice under the law and hold offenders accountable for their actions. We hope this outcome provides the Eisele family a measure of closure as they continue to heal."
Swets was sentenced by Associate Judge Arkadiusz Smigielski.
The 10-year sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections will be served at 85 percent, and Swets is subject to a period of two years of mandatory supervised release. Swets will receive credit for 744 days of time served.
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