MILFORD, Conn. (AP) — A former Milford police officer was sentenced Wednesday to five years in prison for a high-speed cruiser crash that killed two teenagers from Orange in 2009.
Milford Superior Court Judge Denise Markle gave Jason Anderson, 37, a 10-year sentence suspended after five years, and three years of probation. A jury acquitted Anderson of manslaughter in November, but convicted him of misconduct with a motor vehicle and reckless driving.
The judge acknowledged Anderson is a devoted father and civic volunteer, but said he committed one reckless criminal act.
His lawyer, Hugh Keefe, had asked for no jail time, and said he will appeal.
Police said Anderson was returning from a mutual aid call in another town when his cruiser struck a car turning in front him at about 94 mph on Route 1 in Orange. Authorities say the cruiser’s emergency lights and sirens were off at the time. Milford officials fired Anderson.
The crash killed two 19-year-olds — David Servin and Ashlie Krakowski.
At Wednesday’s hearing, prosecutor Kevin Lawlor said Anderson’s actions were ‘blatant disregard’ for the law. Anderson’s attorney noted the jury found Servin, who was driving with an elevated blood alcohol level, was partly responsible.
Lois Krakowski told the judge the granddaughter she raised ‘‘was my life’’ and called Anderson a ‘‘thug.’’ Servin’s mother, Susan, also asked for jail time for Anderson.
Anderson’s brother, Milford Detective Sgt. Richard Anderson, extended condolences to the teens’ families, and several other people spoke on Anderson’s behalf. His mother, Geraldine Anderson, told him, ‘‘I am proud to be your mother.’’
Last year, Krakowski’s estate received a $3.5 million settlement from Milford, and $500,000 from Servin’s estate, which received a $2.5 million settlement from the city.end of story marker
