(Sarpy County, NE) -- A man who pleaded guilty in a fatal DUI crash is sentenced to prison.
On Monday, a Sarpy County judge sentenced Ulises Pantoja to 16 to 20 years in prison for Motor Vehicle Homicide while driving under the influence. Pantoja pled guilty to the charge in April.
According to witnesses on November 24, 2021, 24-year-old Pantoja was driving southbound on Highway 50 at an “extremely high rate of speed” when he hit 37-year-old Candice McDowell, of Omaha, as she drove eastbound on Harrison Street. Omaha Fire Department personnel who responded to the crash observed signs of Pantoja’s intoxication. A blood test later detected a BAC of 0.134.
“Mr. Pantoja’s decision to drink and drive ended Candice’s life and took her from her family and friends. We appreciate the judge’s thoughtful consideration of the sentence,” Deputy County Attorney Scott Earl said. “Hopefully this sentence will provide some closure and healing for Candice’s loved ones as they continue to grieve.”