N.C. Trucker Pleads Not Guilty In Fatal Wisconsin Cras

A trial date has been set for November 15 in the case of a North Carolina truck driver who has pleaded not guilty to a charge of homicide by negligent operation of a motor vehicle in connection to a crash in August in which one man suffered fatal personal injuries on Highway 16 in the town of Ixonia, Wisconsin.

The charge was filed against Henderson, N.C. resident Jeremy M. Pearce after he allegedly made a U-turn in his semitrailer at approximately 1 p.m. on August 16.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department said that Pearce was parked on the road’s northern shoulder facing west prior to making the turn in front of a westbound motorcycle operated by 57-year-old Beaver Dam, Wisconsin resident Craig R. Conway, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Pearce received transport to Watertown Regional Medical Center after the crash for non-life-threatening injuries.

Conviction could mean a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine for Pearce.