Chris Jones: Greene Publishing, Inc.
On Thursday, June 1, Eric Ottey Hammond, Jr. pled no contest to charges of vehicular homicide and tampering with evidence, relating to the 2014 death of 38-year-old Gloria Jean Christian. On May 21, 2014, Hammond's vehicle struck Christian on State Road 53 North. As part of his plea offer, the State will file a nolle prosequi for one count of D.U.I. Manslaughter against Hammond, effectively dismissing the charge.
For the remaining charges Hammond will serve 18 months in the Department of Corrections, be on probation for 10 years, and pay approximately $2,400 in fines. Additionally, Hammond will be required to serve 200 hours of community service. While on probation, Hammond is not be permitted to consume or possess alcohol, his driving privileges, should the Department of Motor Vehicles re-instate his license, are restricted to employment purposes, and he is prohibited from making contact with the family of Christian. Had Hammond pled not guilty and his case been taken to trial, he faced a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and $15,000 worth of fines.