Fort Kent man sentenced for fatal crash

CARIBOU – A Fort Kent man will serve 30 days of a three-month jail sentence imposed for speeding after his friend died last June from injuries suffered in an accident caused by the excessive speed.

Edgar J. Pelletier, 29, was sentenced last Thursday by Judge Ronald A. Daigle in Aroostook County Superior Court, according to District Attorney Neale Adams.

Pelletier pleaded no contest to the charge of speeding in excess of 30 mph over the speed limit. He was indicted on the charge in July. Exceeding the speed limit by more than 30 mph is a criminal offense punishable by up to six months in jail, a fine of $1,000 and a maximum court-imposed license suspension of 60 days, Adams said.

Pelletier was sentenced to three months in jail, with all but 30 days suspended, and one year of probation. While on probation, Pelletier will be prohibited from operating any motor vehicle. He also must reimburse Aroostook County $600 for jail costs, pay a $25 monthly supervision fee while on probation, perform 100 hours of community service and write an apology to the family of Jason Bourgoin.

On June 18, 2001, Pelletier was the operator of a vehicle that crashed on Route 11 in Wallagrass. The accident caused the death of Bourgoin, 23, of Fort Kent. Bourgoin died of massive head injuries.

Pelletier and another passenger, Daniel Beaulieu, 34, of Fort Kent, also were injured in the accident. Pelletier was alleged to have been traveling 80 mph in a 45 mph zone.

The three men were on their way to work at the Maine Woods Co. in Portage Lake when the accident happened at 4:10 a.m. Pelletier was operating a 2001 Pontiac four-door sedan when he lost control while attempting to pass a vehicle operated by Brian Caron of Fort Kent.

Pelletier’s vehicle went off the road, turned 180 degrees, slid backward about 100 feet across a field and struck a large rock embankment.

Adams said Bourgoin’s parents appeared at the sentencing. He said Violet Bourgoin, the victim’s mother, described the pain she and her family have suffered from their loss of Jason.

Friends, co-workers and relatives of Pelletier also addressed the court and described him as a good worker and a kind and helpful person.

Adams said he recommended a sentence of six months in jail with all but 45 days suspended, probation for one year, 100 hours of community service, reimbursement of jail and probationary costs, a written apology to the Bourgoin family and a prohibition on operating any motorized conveyance including cars, trucks, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, motorboats, personal watercraft or airplanes while on probation.

Scott Hunter of Caribou, Pelletier’s attorney, sought a fine and a license suspension, concurrent with the six months imposed by the secretary of state as a result of the accident, according to Adams.