Thursday, November 9, 2023

PONTIAC, Mich. - On November 1, 2023, Oakland County Prosecutor KAREN D. McDONALD charged Jessica Lenore Kellar, a 30-year-old resident of Waterford, with Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death and Operating While Intoxicated with Occupant Less than 16.

Charges stem from a crash that occurred at the intersection of E. Huron St. and Woodward Ave on September 15, 2023. The defendant and the victim were both traveling east on Huron St. The defendant was driving a pickup truck, and the victim was riding a motorcycle. It is alleged that the defendant turned left into the victim. The 70-year-old victim, a White Lake resident, was thrown into the air and then hit. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. It is alleged that the defendant had a blood alcohol level over the legal limit, and that she had a minor in the truck with her at the time of the crash.

“Driving while under the influence of any substance endangers public safety and is potentially deadly, as in this case,” stated Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. “No one should be operating a vehicle while intoxicated and those who choose to do so will be held accountable.”

On November 9, 2023, the defendant was arraigned via zoom before Judge Jeremy Bowie in the 50th District Court. The Court set a $25,000 bond cash/surety or 10%. Conditions include an alcohol tether, the defendant is prohibited from driving, and the defendant may not enter any place that serves or dispenses alcohol.

The Probable Cause Conference is scheduled for November 21, 2023, at 1:30 pm before Judge Ronda Gross.

Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death is a felony punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment and/or up to a $10,000 fine. Operating While Intoxicated with Occupant Less than 16 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or up to a $1,000 fine.

Charges are accusations and individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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Contact: ocpomedia@oakgov.com