A man from Nanticoke, who the police say was on fentanyl when he hit and killed someone in June 2002, has pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and related charges.
Jose Calo, 59, of Pine Street, may be sent to state prison for up to 20 years because of previous DUI convictions when he is sentenced in June.
According to court records, Calo was driving a Ford Explorer on East Main Street and hit James Mahon, 86, on June 25, 2022.
Court records indicate that video footage showed Calo driving the Ford erratically, almost hitting other vehicles in the opposite lane.
Mahon was trapped under a parked vehicle and was taken to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, where he passed away.
Based on court records, a blood test showed that Calo had fentanyl in his system.
Calo was supposed to have a jury trial this week but instead decided to plead guilty before Luzerne County President Judge Michael T. Vough.
Instead of going to trial, Calo admitted to committing vehicular homicide while under the influence, vehicular homicide, accidents involving death, driving with a suspended license, and DUI.
The plea deal, involving Assistant District Attorney Daniel Marsh and Calo’s lawyer, Allyson L. Kacmarski, suggests a 10 to 20 year prison term.
Vough set Calo's sentencing for June 6, and Calo is currently in custody at the county correctional facility.
