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LISBON -- A woman accused of communicating false information to investigators regarding an accident that resulted in a fatality pleaded guilty Thursday to obstructing justice.
Brandy Phillips, 31, Granite Street, Salem, appeared in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court before Judge Megan Bickerton, accompanied by her defense attorney Edward Hartwig.
Both county Assistant Prosecutor Tammie Riley Jones and Hartwig confirmed that a plea agreement had been reached for the fifth-degree felony. Jones said the recommended sentence would be three years probation. The charge carries a possible maximum sentence of 12 months in prison.
Sentencing was delayed until 3:20 p.m. Feb. 12 due to concerns about Marsy's Law and how it applies in the case. Family members for the victim were not in the courtroom.
Marsy's Law gives victims certain rights, including the right to be present and heard at court proceedings.
Immediate sentencing had been requested, but Bickerton said she would feel more comfortable with more time to review the law, noting there was a loss of life.
Brandy Phillips was charged for her alleged actions on March 11, 2022, the day her sister, Patricia Lynn Phillips, 29, Vine Street, Salem was allegedly driving a truck that struck a pedestrian on state Route 344 and then failed to stop after the accident.
The victim was identified as Brandy Lynn Laskey, 46, who died while walking in the westbound lane of the road after midnight. Patricia Lynn Phillips was accused of leaving the scene and was charged with failure to stop after an accident, a third-degree felony. Laskey was found unresponsive with a head wound.
Patricia Lynn Phillips is represented by defense attorney Lynn Maro.
According to the indictment, Patricia Lynn Phillips was operating a 2005 Ford F-350 registered to Brandon Seddon when the accident occurred. Her case remains pending, with a final status hearing set for 1 p.m. March 11, with a jury trial March 25.