Anonymous
By the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office
Santa Barbara County District Attorney John T. Savrnoch announced today that Raul Gonzalez of Santa Barbara was sentenced to six years in state prison.
On May 11, 2023, the defendant pled guilty to a felony violation of Penal Code section 191.5(a), gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
The charges stem from a fatal collision on November 27, 2021 at E. Cota St. and N. Salsipuedes St. in Santa Barbara. On this date, Kenneth Sterling was driving his Piaggio moped when the defendant rear-ended his vehicle resulting in Mr. Sterling’s death.
District Attorney John T. Savrnoch stated, “This tragic case illustrates the awful consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol. Kenneth Sterling, an innocent victim, lost his life and Raul Gonzalez has lost his freedom. Both of these consequences could have been avoided if the defendant had chosen not to drive while under the influence. The defendant was held accountable in this case due to the outstanding work, dedication, and collaboration between the Santa Barbara Police Department and the prosecution team led by Deputy District Attorney Michelle Mossembekker.”
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So the District Attorney made a “Settlement Agreement” with Gonzalez, dropped some of the many charges, and with time served, the drunk will be out of prison within three years because of “good behavior”. And it will help to lower the prison population down to manageable levels. And Mr. Sterling will still be dead.
“The defendant was held accountable in this case due to the outstanding work, dedication, and collaboration between the Santa Barbara Police Department and the prosecution team led by Deputy District Attorney Michelle Mossembekker.”
Six years is not accountability when you kill someone drunk driving. SB is turning into the wild west again.