Dustin Michael Johnson, Involuntary Manslaughter, Minnesota 2013

MINNEAPOLIS—A tragic incident on State Highway 15 in Redby, Minnesota, has led to the indictment of a 27-year-old Blackduck man for involuntary manslaughter. Dustin Michael Johnson, 27, was charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of a young woman who was a passenger in the vehicle he was operating on October 23, 2012.

According to the indictment, Johnson was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, which resulted in the victim's death. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Red Lake Tribal Police investigated the incident, and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Steinkamp.

An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to believe that offenses have been committed by a defendant. A defendant, of course, is presumed innocent until he or she pleads guilty or is proven guilty at trial.

The indictment alleges that Johnson killed the woman without malice, and if convicted, he faces a potential maximum penalty of eight years in prison on each count. All sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge.

The Red Lake Indian Reservation is a federal-jurisdiction reservation, and some of the crimes that occur there are investigated by the FBI in conjunction with the Red Lake Tribal Police Department. Those cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Dustin Michael Johnson's case is a reminder of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence. The incident highlights the importance of responsible behavior behind the wheel and the need for vigilance in preventing such tragedies.

The case is being closely watched by law enforcement and the community, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant/Respondent: Dustin Michael Johnson

Criminal Charges: Two counts of involuntary manslaughter

City and State: Blackduck, Minnesota

Exact Date: October 23, 2012

Sentence or Outcome: Potential maximum penalty of eight years in prison on each count

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/blackduck-man-indicted-involuntary-manslaughter