BENTON, Ill. (AP) - Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White’s office says he has been blocking attempts by a former Illinois state trooper trying to get his driver’s license back following a freeway crash that killed two sisters.
Matt Mitchell was a state trooper in 2007 when his cruiser crossed the median on Interstate 64 east of St. Louis and slammed into oncoming traffic, killing Collinsville sisters Jessica Uhl, 18, and Kelli Uhl, 13. Mitchell had been driving more than 120 mph at the time and using his cellphone and computer. He pleaded guilty to reckless homicide and received probation.
Mitchell’s latest request to restore his driving privileges was rejected in February and he was set to have a fifth hearing on the request this week before it was canceled by his lawyer.
His attorney, J. Israel Slone, said hearing officers have recommended that Mitchell get his license returned, but the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office scuttled such moves.
Secretary of State spokesman Dave Druker told the Belleville News Democrat (https://bit.ly/R8Fxs4 ) that it was Jesse White himself who blocked Mitchell’s restoration requests.
“He does not feel at this time that the case has been made as to why Mr. Mitchell should get his license back,” Druker said. “He has the final say and, as an elected official, it’s his responsibility to make that decision.”
Slone said he plans to take the matter to court.
Mitchell has said he needs his driving privileges restored so he can take his daughter to school.
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Information from: Belleville News-Democrat, https://www.bnd.com
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