A former GBI medical examiner investigator  pleaded guilty in Clayton County this morning on charges of vehicular homicide

Kellie Bennett pleaded guilty to first-degree vehicular homicide under the first offender statute, Clayton County District Attorney Tracy Graham Lawson told the AJC.

A superior court judge sentenced her to five years of probation, $1,000 fine, defensive driving school and 10 speaking engagements at police academies or to youth groups in Georgia, Lawson said.

The judge also ordered her to write a letter of apology to the victim’s family. She did apologize in court this morning, Lawson said.

Bennett was arrested following a crash in December 2008 that injured Robert James. James died on January 9.

Investigators said Bennett, a civilian employee,  was flashing the overhead lights on her patrol car and was using her siren, which was against GBI orders.

The GBI said she was terminated.

She was indicted on vehicular homicide and reckless driving in July, according to court records.

Her attorney, Lee Sexton, did not immediately return a phone call today.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com