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Crescent man gets probation on homicide by vehicle charge

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November 20th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

A judge in Pottawattamie County, Thursday, sentenced 20-year old John Harter, of Crescent, to two years of supervised probation one month after Harter plead guilty to a homicide by vehicle-reckless driving charge.

The Daily NonPareil says the felony charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. According to court documents, on July 2nd, 2013, witnesses told police that they saw Harter driving a motorcycle at speeds of 80 mph with 18-year old Joseph Goodwin as a passenger.

Police said as he drove around the vehicle, Harter saw three motorcycles in the southbound lane, and Harter tried to stop. He and Goodwin were thrown from the motorcycle. Goodwin died at the scene, and another victim suffered serious injuries. . After the crash, Harter was found to have cannabis and central nervous system depressants in his system. After a year-long investigation, Harter was arrested on July 11th, 2014.

According to the agreement, by pleading guilty to the Class C felony and spending the 30 days between the plea hearing and the sentencing hearing in Pottawattamie County Jail, Harter would then receive a deferred judgment. The court would also dismiss his other two charges, including homicide by vehicle-operating under the influence, a Class B felony.

In addition to obeying the terms of his probation, Harter will have to pay $150,000 to the estate of Joseph Goodwin and $2,681 to another victim in the accident. If he does not meet the conditions of his probation, he could still be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. If Harter successfully completes his probation, the charge will be dismissed, and the record of the case will be expunged.