Ex-deputy receives 6 months jail, probation for fatal on-duty crash
A former sheriff’s deputy who drove through a red light as he left the courthouse last year and killed another driver will spend six months in jail as part of two years on probation.
Joel Streicher, 51, was northbound on N. 10th St. on Jan. 25, 2020, in a sheriff ’s SUV when he struck Ceasar Stinson as he drove east on W. State St. Stinson, 47, was a Milwaukee Public Schools lobbyist and community activist.
Streicher was charged in May with homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle, punishable by up to five years in prison and five yeas of probation. He resigned from the Sheriff ’s Office in October and pleaded guilty in January.
Stinson’s family members, who spoke via Zoom, described their excruciating loss, and told of how important he was to them and the larger community.
His widow, Chip Samvura-Stinson, said her pain and trauma will never cease. “His love was replaced by grief,” she said.
The sentence means Streicher will enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas with family while Stinson’s loved ones “have an empty seat at the table.”
Joyce Stinson called her brother the most important person in her life and said only prison time for Streicher would be justice.
But Circuit Judge Michelle Havas followed the state’s recommendation and withheld a further sentence, meaning, she explained to the victim’s family, that if Streicher violates conditions of his probation, those facts could be considered by a different judge who might impose a harsher sentence.
Assistant District Attorney Grant Huebner recounted the extensive investigation of the crash, examining light times, vehicle data, videos, radio and phone transmissions and Streicher’s on-board computer.
Huebner said it appeared Streicher was scrolling on his computer for assignments, not on his phone or typing, or speeding or under influence of any substance, or overly tired, as he drove toward the intersection for 11 seconds while the light was red.
Streicher’s brake lights never came on prior to impact.
The investigation also involved reenactments, Huebner said, in which he and others rode in a car in the same direction and speed and while looking away from the road for 11 seconds.
“Everyone said it felt too long at five seconds,” Huebner said.
He noted that as 24-year sheriff ’s deputy, Streicher was a very experienced driver, with extra training and was familiar with the area around the courthouse. He had been in a prior, non-fatal crash, just two blocks away, when he disregarded a lane restriction.
Streicher also had a prior conviction for disorderly conduct after he was caught in a sting operation aimed at solicitation of prostitution.
Streicher apologized to Stinson’s family, and said he did not do so immediately, despite his desire to, because of his lawyers’ advice.”
“It haunts me everyday,” he said, and it has affected his health, personal and professional lives. “I won’t be the same person and probably don’t deserve to be.”
Havas required Streicher to perform 100 hours of community service and continue his psychotherapy, and allowed him release privileges from jail for work, treatment and child care. She allowed him to begin serving the jail time in 45 days.