Grafton man sentenced to community control for fatal crash

A 19-year-old Grafton man was sentenced to five years of community control Aug. 15 for the traffic death of a Midview High School student.

Chase E. Johnson, 19, pleaded guilty June 4 to an amended indictment of aggravated vehicular homicide for the May 21, 2017, crash on state Route 82 in Eaton Township that killed 17-year-old Lindsey Mae Rotuno.

In addition to the community control, Johnson’s driver’s license was suspended for five years.

Johnson had marijuana in his system at the time of the early morning crash, according to a news release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

About 3:11 a.m., May 21, Johnson was driving a 2004 Saturn Ion west on Route 82 when he entered the grassy median at the intersection of state Route 57, police said.

The Ion hit two utility poles and came to a rest in the median, detectives said.

Lindsey’s mother, Tracie Rotuno, addressed the court before the sentence was handed down.

Rotuno said she and her family forgave Johnson for the teen’s death.

“We have witnessed the death and genuine pain you’ve endured and will continue to carry on your shoulders because of that tragic night,” she said to Johnson. “We are confident in the Prosecutor’s Office’s decision to move forward with this plea deal and thankful to not have to endure the pain of a lengthy trial.”

She also put the family’s stamp of approval on the sentence.

“We do not believe imprisonment is the best suitable punishment,” Rotuno said. “However, we would like to see probation of a minimum of five years inclusive of random drug testing.

“Because you have shown a will and determination of bettering your life by working, going to college and getting good grades, we would also like to see your driver’s license suspension allow for work and school driving privileges.

“Continue on the path you are right now. For many, it would be easy to give up at a time it seems too difficult to overcome. Keep pushing forward, think about the choices you make and just like Lindsey would do: live the best, most honest and meaningful life you can possibly do.”

When Johnson addressed the court, he broke into tears and spoke directly to the Rotuno family.

“I just want to say to the Rotuno family that I loved Lindsey with all of my heart and I never wanted to see anything bad happen to her,” he said.

In handing down the sentence, Lorain County Common Pleas Judge Christopher R. Rothgery warned Johnson of the penalties he faces if he violates his community control.

Rothgery also remarked on the role the Rotuno family had in his accepting the plea deal.

“To be honest with you,” he said to Johnson, “the Rotunos are better and stronger people than I am.

“And this is a sentence that, if anybody took a look at my sentencing on these cases, is nowhere near what would usually happen. But because of their mercy and their ability to forgive, which is almost beyond my comprehension, you’re walking out of here today.”

After the hearing was adjourned and while the courtroom cleared, Johnson was seen hugging Rotuno and her husband, Tony Rotuno.

Johnson