TO:  LOCAL NEWS MEDIA

FROM:  VAN WERT COUNTY COMMON PLEAS COURT

DATE:   Monday, November 19, 2007

Re:   Change of Plea Prior To Start Of Jury Trial

Luke I. Reinhart, 28, Van Wert, Ohio entered guilty pleas to two counts of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide felonies of the third degree. 

The charges were in connection with an traffic accident that took place at the intersection of Dull Robinson and the Wren-Landeck Road which resulted in the deaths of Kristian and Jade Amweg of Ohio City, Ohio.  

Reinhart had previously been convicted in a jury trial before in Common Pleas Court, but the conviction was overturned the Third District Court Of Appeals and remanded for a new trial. 

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Martin D. Burchfield told the court that had the trial gone forward that there would have been a stipulation agreed to by both sides that  would show that Reinhart had been traveling sixty-two miles per hour at the time of impact and that he had the odor of an alcoholic beverage about his person.

In the plea agreement the Van Wert County Prosecutors Office is recommending two four year prison sentences to be served consecutively with credit given for time already served on the first sentencing.  Reinhart was originally sentenced to two consecutive five year prison terms.  Reinhart also faces the possibility that his driving privileges could be suspended for life.  

Sentencing has been scheduled for January 2, 2008 at 9:00 a.m..