A Lake Wales woman charged in a deadly DUI crash on U.S. Highway 27 has been sentenced to five years in Florida State Prison following a negotiated plea deal, according to Polk County court records.
Jeanette Gonzalez was sentenced last month, to 60 months in prison in connection with a fatal rollover crash that occurred during the early morning hours of February 25, 2023, near the intersection of U.S. Highway 27 and Tower Lakes Boulevard in Lake Wales.
As previously reported by Daily Ridge, investigators said Gonzalez was driving a 2015 Chevrolet Camaro southbound on U.S. 27 when her vehicle struck a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado that was also traveling southbound. The impact caused the Camaro to leave the roadway, enter the grassy median, and roll multiple times.
Eliecer Padilla, a passenger in the Camaro, was ejected during the crash and pronounced deceased at the scene. Gonzalez was airlifted to Lakeland Regional Health with serious injuries. The Silverado was occupied by Stephen Lakotich and his wife, Victoria. Investigators reported no injuries to the occupants of the Silverado.
Data recovered from the Camaro’s Airbag Control Module showed the vehicle was traveling at approximately 137 miles per hour seconds before the crash and slowed to 92 miles per hour a half second prior to impact. The posted speed limit in that area of Highway 27 is 60 miles per hour. Investigators reported no evidence of braking prior to the collision.
The investigation also documented extensive alcohol consumption prior to the crash. According to the affidavit, Gonzalez and Padilla spent approximately six hours at Chili’s Grill & Bar in Lake Wales. A sales receipt obtained by investigators showed the purchase of fourteen alcoholic drinks during that visit, documented as seven buy-one-get-one-free drinks.
A subsequent blood draw revealed Gonzalez’s blood alcohol level was 0.209, more than twice Florida’s legal limit of 0.08.
Gonzalez was charged with DUI manslaughter, a second-degree felony. Court records show her criminal punishment code scoresheet totaled 102 sentence points, with a lowest permissible prison sentence calculated at just over 55 months. Under the negotiated plea agreement, the court imposed a 60-month state prison sentence.
In addition to prison time, court records show Gonzalez received a permanent revocation of her driver license and was ordered to undergo substance abuse evaluation and treatment. She was credited with time already served.
This is yet another where getting behind the wheel, drunk, has changed the lives of both the victim forever.
