Deputy Charged With Homicide by Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle Bound Over For Trial

LA CROSSE – Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced today that LaCrosse County Deputy Sheriff Trisha Stratman, charged with Homicide by Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, was bound over for trial following her appearance in court for a preliminary hearing today.

The defendant appeared before the Honorable David J. Rice. Following a preliminary hearing, Judge Rice found probable cause to believe the defendant committed a felony and bound her over for trial. A not guilty plea was entered by the defendant. The Court directed that all motions be filed by April 15, 2011.

The criminal complaint, filed January 19, 2011, alleges that Stratman caused the death of Brandon Jennings, 16, by the negligent operation of a motor vehicle in a traffic crash that occurred in the Town of Onalaska on July 18, 2010.

A criminal complaint is a document accusing a person of a violation of criminal law. A defendant enjoys a presumption of innocence. The prosecution must prove its allegations at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.

Assistant Attorneys General Tara Jenswold-Schipper and Erik Peterson represented the state.