Merrill J. Mann II, Involuntary Manslaughter, North Dakota 2013

A devastating crash on a rural North Dakota highway has resulted in the death of an 84-year-old passenger, and the driver has been held accountable.

Merrill J. Mann II, 37, of New Town, N.D., was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for involuntary manslaughter after a fatal car crash on April 20, 2012, west of New Town.

Mann pleaded guilty to the charge on February 20, 2013, and was subsequently sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland on May 31, 2013.

The crash occurred when Mann, who was under the influence of intoxicating liquor, stopped his 2004 Chevrolet pickup at a stop sign on BIA Route 2 and then pulled into the intersection with N.D. Highway 23, colliding with a 2003 Dodge Caravan carrying several passengers.

The passenger who lost their life in the crash was 84 years old.

Mann was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victim’s Fund and $15,179 in restitution as part of his sentence.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Fort Berthold Agency, the Three Affiliated Tribes Police Department, and the North Dakota Highway Patrol, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Volk prosecuting the case.

A fatal car crash on a rural North Dakota highway has led to a lengthy prison sentence for the driver, who was under the influence at the time of the crash.

Mann’s sentence serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving and the importance of accountability in cases involving reckless behavior behind the wheel.

Related Federal Cases