Woman charged in fatal car accident makes court appearance

Talk about it

Vanessa Rae Brigan, 26, of Cloquet appeared in Carlton County Court on Monday for Rule 8 and violation of state sentence hearings.

Brigan was charged on Oct. 3 in connection with a crash that killed two Carlton County Highway Department workers near Wright on Oct. 1 on her way back from a methadone clinic in Brainerd.

Court-appointed defense attorney John Lind, who is now representing Brigan, informed Judge Dale Wolf that Brigan has waived her right to a speedy omnibus hearing (within 28 days). He went on to request that a non-contested omnibus hearing be set far enough in the future to give him the opportunity to go over the discovery submitted in the case.

Judge Wolf set Brigan’s next hearing for 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14.

Attorney Frank Yetka was also present representing the city of Cloquet on a violation of state sentence matter involving Brigan. After being charged with driving with no insurance in July, Brigan received a year’s stay of adjudication to give her time to obtain insurance. Yetka explained that under the terms of the stayed sentence, if Brigan commits a same or similar offense during the period of adjudication, the original sentence will be imposed.

Yetka and Judge Wolf agreed to have that case track with Brigan’s other charges and Yetka indicated that if it is determined that Brigan was indeed driving without insurance at the time of the recent accident, the stay will be lifted and Brigan will be sentenced accordingly.

A passenger who was riding with Brigan the day of the accident, Jesse David McMillen, 25, has not yet been charged in relation to the incident. He fled on foot following the accident and was later caught by police and arrested on an outstanding warrant for an unrelated matter.

“I still have not received any investigative reports that would substantiate charges against McMillen,” stated Carlton County Attorney Thom Pertler on Tuesday.

Tags: carlton county, crime