Teen driver in fatal prom crash previously cited for driving without a license

The 17-year-old Monroe student, who was driving the car in a prom night crash that killed a classmate, had a prior traffic infraction last year, according to Butler County Juvenile Court records.

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The teen is charged with aggravated vehicular homicide and two counts of aggravated vehicular assault. She was in court Monday afternoon for a pre-trial hearing with attorneys Christopher Pagan and Melynda Cook Howard.

Butler County Juvenile Court Judge Ronald Craft set the next hearing date for Aug. 20, noting both sides need time to exchange information in the case.

The girl said nothing during the hearing, but clutched a tissue and wiped her eyes.

The teen has a previous citation through juvenile court for operating a vehicle without a driver’s license, according to court documents obtained by the Journal-News.

MORE: Report details driver’s actions, seat belt use in fatal prom night crash

The teen lost control of the 2013 Tesla she was driving April 28 along Millikin Road and struck a telephone pole, according to the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.

Kaylie Jackson, 17, was a back-seat passenger at the time of the accident, according to Butler County Sheriff’s deputies. She died a few days after the crash.

If convicted, the teen could be sentenced to the Juvenile Detention Center in Columbus until her 21st birthday, according to Butler County Prosecutor Michael Gmoser.

In May, the teen was placed on house arrest. She also was ordered not to have any contact with the victims and their families and she surrendered her driver's license, according to Rob Clevenger, court administrator.

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