By Gary Ogle
gogle@wqelwbco.com
Note: This story has been corrected to reflect the actual charges filed by the Grand Jury against Jason Bell. Crawford County Now apologizes for the confusion.
The 18-year-old driver accused of causing an accident Oct. 17 that took the lives of a Reynoldsburg couple was arraigned in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday.
Jason Bell of Ashland is facing two counts of third-degree aggravated vehicular homicide. The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigation indicates the vehicle Bell was operating failed to stop at the marked intersection of Ohio 4 and Brokensword Road. Killed were Louann Widdoes and Robert Widdoes. The Widdoes were traveling to make funeral arrangements for a family member at the time of the accident. Bell and three others were injured in the accident.
If convicted as charged, Bell could face a prison term of 60 months. Bell is also charged with driving without an operator’s license and having fictitious plates.
Bell’s $1 million bond set in Municipal Court was continued by Judge Russell Wiseman. Bell’s attorney, Rolf Whitney, asked to be heard on the issue of bond at a later date.