Crime & Safety

Driver in 2014 Jamaica Plain Crash Sentenced

Last month Brian Johnson opted not to stand trial for his role in the crash that injured another motorist.

JAMAICA PLAIN, MA - A man who pleaded guilty in May to negligent operation of a motor vehicle for his role in a 2014 Jamaica Plain car crash was sentenced Thursday.

Brian Johnson, 27, was given two years of probation and ordered to undergo mental health and substance abuse evaluations. Johnson must also complete the "Brains at Risk" educational program.

Prosecutors initially recommended a sentence of two years in a house of correction with one year to serve behind bars and the remainder suspended for a probationary period of five years. Additional mental health and substance abuse evaluations and treatment as necessary were also sought.

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Prosecutors originally intended to charge Johnson with operating under the influence of drugs, but withdrew that count in light of a technicality in Massachusetts state law requiring proof beyond a reasonable doubt of what specific drug impaired him.

No drugs or paraphernalia were found in Johnson's vehicle following the crash near the Shea Rotary, leaving that impossible to prove.

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