A driver who was texting when she struck and killed a cyclist will have her license suspended and pay a fine.
Courtney Lynn Johnson, 24, was sentenced Friday for three traffic offenses. She told police that she was texting when she hit 21-year-old Grace Harken of Riceville from behind last July on Highway 218.
The Mitchell CountyAttorney's Office said Johnson was fined $1,000 and her license was suspended for 180 days during Friday's sentencing hearing.That's the maximum sentence for the misdemeanor of texting while driving resulting in adeath.
Johnson also was charged with operating too close to a bicycleand failure to maintain control.The failure to maintain control charge was dismissed and the judge ordered a fine for the other charge
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[BIKEIOWA NOTE: Iowa's legal system should be ASHAMED that we continue to let crimes that kill go with only minimal fines and dismissed charges.]