Douglas County District Court Judge Greg Schatz sentences Benjamin Thompson to 22-25 years in prison for DUI 5th offense, negligent child abuse, and leaving the scene of a crash.
In October 2016, Thompson was drunk and had taken multiple pills when he caused a crash at 30th & Sorenson Pkwy. He fled the scene with his two daughters seriously injured in the back. Thompson was located at Miller Park throwing the alcohol in the trash, but later claimed he was taking his kids to the hospital.
His 8-year-old daughter Kazlynn is permanently brain damaged from the crash.
"I believe that's an appropriate sentence and is fair based on the facts here and the defendant's criminal record. He has 5 prior DUI arrests, 4 DUI convictions," said Douglas Co. Deputy Attorney Ryan Lindberg.
With “Good Time,” Thompson will serve about 11 years in prison before he's eligible for parole.
In April, Benjamin Thompson had his parental rights terminated but he's appealing that decision. The juvenile court indicated they hoped to reunite the children with their mother, but this month prosecutors asked for her parental rights to be terminated again.
Judge Schatz would not allow a camera in the courtroom after expanded media requests.
