These columns list arrests and not convictions, unless otherwise stated. Anyone listed here who is later found not guilty or has had the charges against them dropped is welcome to inform this newspaper. The information will be confirmed and printed.
A Louisiana man has been found guilty of DUI manslaughter in the 2018 accident.
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MOORE HAVEN -- A Louisiana man has been found guilty of DUI manslaughter in the 2018 accident that took two lives in Glades County.
Benjamin Desjardine, 43, was found guilty on two counts of DUI manslaughter and three counts of DUI damage to a person or property, according to the State Attorney’s Office.
On Jan. 4, 2018, at 11 p.m. Desjardine was driving a 2005 Dodge Ram truck on County Road 721. According to the FHP report, he drove in the wrong lane into oncoming traffic. A driver who swerved to avoid the truck hit a guardrail. Desjardine's truck hit a Hyundai Sonata. The driver and the passenger of the Hyndai, a 55-year-old man and a 71-year-old man, were killed.
A 20-year-old woman who was not involved in the initial crash stopped to help and got out of her car. Another driver swerved to avoid the crashed Hyndai and that vehicle struck the woman, seriously injuring her.
According to the State Attorney's Office, at the time of the accident Desjardine's blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit. Sentencing is set for Dec. 16.
