News & Information

PRESS RELEASE

April 12, 2022

     Sussex County Prosecutor Francis A. Koch announced the entry of a guilty plea to an accusation before the Honorable Michael C. Gaus, J.S.C. at the Sussex County Courthouse in Newton on April 12, 2022 by Ronnie C. Branch.

     Branch, age 24, of Sussex Borough, pled guilty to Vehicular Homicide and Driving While Intoxicated, a crime of the second degree. Sentencing is presently scheduled for June 1, 2022 before the Honorable Michael C. Gaus, J.S.C.                          

     The defendant admitted to driving under the influence of controlled dangerous substances which subsequently led to a motor vehicle accident in which another driver on a motorcycle was killed. He was simultaneously sentenced on the DWI charge to seven months loss of license, twelve hours of Intoxicated Drive Resource Center, and $689 in fines/fees.

     Defendant was represented by Laura Sutnick, Esq., and the State was represented by Assistant Prosecutor Brent M. Rafuse.

BMR