(WWJ) — A St. Clair County woman is looking at the possibility of up to 15 years in prison for allegedly using her phone while driving, causing a crash that killed a Macomb woman back in February.
Courtney Niezgoda of Riley Township was arraigned Monday on one count of reckless driving causing death.
Around 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 2, Niezgoda, 27, was driving her Ford EcoSport on M-53 near 32 Mile Road in Washington Township when she ran a red light, hitting and killing 63-year-old Tina Yaney.
Yaney was extricated from the vehicle and taken to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. Niezgoda was also to an area hospital for several injuries due to the crash. She was released two days later.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office says Niezgoda was using social media on her phone at the time of the crash. The sheriff’s office, meanwhile, said she was using GPS.
"The alleged reckless behavior of using social media while driving, led to a tragic and entirely preventable loss of life,” Prosecutor Pete Lucido said, per a press release. “These alleged actions demonstrate a complete disregard for the safety of others, and she must be held accountable for the devastating consequences of her choices.”
District Court Judge Jennifer Andary set Niezgoda’s bond at $50,000 cash/surety, 10% with bond conditions of no social media use of any kind. Other bond conditions include no alcohol or drugs with testing, no driving for any reason, and she must maintain employment.
Her next court date is scheduled for June 24.
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