SULLIVAN TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WETM) – The Pennsylvania State Trooper who was found guilty of vehicular homicide for causing a crash that killed a Troy Area School District teacher in February of 2023 has been sentenced to serve time in prison.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry has announced that Michael J. Brown, of Troy, was sentenced to serve a minimum of six months to a maximum of almost two years (23 months) in prison after he was found guilty of third-degree felony homicide by vehicle on May 31 in Tioga County Court.
Brown was sentenced on Friday, Oct. 4, on the offense and will be placed in prison on Nov. 1. In addition to his prison sentence, he is also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and more than $4,000 in restitution for funeral expenses.
“No one is above the law, including those sworn to uphold it,” Attorney General Henry said. “The defendant’s reckless actions led to the tragic death of a devoted mother and teacher. Nothing can bring her back to those who so dearly loved her. This case should serve as a wake-up call for drivers who put others’ lives at risk for the sake of shaving a few seconds or minutes off their commute.”
Brown's conviction is the result of a fatal crash that occurred on Feb. 11, 2023, in Sullivan Township.
According to previous reports, Brown was traveling to work when he attempted to pass a vehicle on Route 6 by illegally crossing the double yellow lines. At this time, Brown hit an oncoming vehicle that was ascending a hill on the roadway, which resulted in the death of 47-year-old Christine Woodward of Troy.