A former Keesler Air Force Base employee has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after hitting four airmen with a truck while under the influence of narcotics.
Biloxi native Emmett Jason Bennett, 25, was sentenced to serve 10 years and five years under post-release supervision on December 20, as well as pay $166,435 in restitution.
A charge of involuntary manslaughter was dropped by prosecutors after Bennett agreed to plead guilty in July.
According to court documents, Bennett allegedly struck a light pole with his truck before hitting four airmen on July 28, 2021. One of the men, Daniel J. Germenis, passed away while three of the victims sustained injuries from the event.
Drug tests later confirmed that Bennett’s blood contained traces of fentanyl and oxycodone in the form of prescription painkillers, as well as marijuana. Investigators stated that Bennett had previously overdosed on oxycodone and regularly used opiates and marijuana.
