Libby man facing 30 years in prison
A 46-year-old Libby man is facing up to 30 years in prison for his alleged role in the death of Libby resident Jon Reynolds in August 2015.
Johnny Glen Anthony, Jr., was arrested Friday, Feb. 5, 2016, and charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence, or in the alternative, negligent homicide. The penalty for vehicular homicide while under the influence is up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. The punishment for the alternative charge of negligent homicide is up to 20 years in prison and a fine uf up to $50,000.
Justice of the Peace Jay Sheffield signed the warrant for Anthony’s arrest Friday. Anthony was arrested, processed and released on $25,000 bond the same day.
The charges stem from an incident of Aug. 8, 2015, in which Anthony was allegedly driving a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck that went off the Yaak River Road and crashed into a ditch. In the crash 67-year-old Libby resident Jon Reynolds was killed.
Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Anthony Jensen investigated the accident and the circumstances surrounding it. During the course of the investigation, Jensen determined Anthony had been drinking prior to the crash and that the vehicle had been traveling at an excessive rate of speed.
“Mr. Anthony stated after the ceremony, they went to the Dirty Shame like they usually do after ceremonies,” Jensen wrote in his report. “Mr. Anthony stated he remembered having a drink or two, but said he did not believe he would have consumed much alcohol because he had to work at the food trailer again that evening once he got back to Libby... Trooper Hawkins obtained the crash information which was on the airbag control module on Aug. 16, 2015. Trooper Hawkins advised me the data showed the vehicle was driving 104 miles per hour five seconds prior to the crash. Trooper Hawkins also reported the data showed the brake was not pressed at all for at least eight seconds prior to the crash.”
Blood tests conducted immediately after the accident confirmed the presence of alcohol above the legal limit in Anthony’s blood. The toxicology report attached to the complaint indicated Anthony’s blood alcohol level was .137 when tested at the hospital after the accident. Montana’s legal limit is .08.
The two charges were filed as alternative charges, meaning Anthony can be convicted on one or the other, or neither, of the charges, but not both. He is next scheduled to appear in court March 2, 2016.