A Charles City man accused of causing a fatal head-on crash last summer that killed a Mason City man has pleaded guilty to reduced charges.
59-year-old Timothy Hoy was involved in a July 25, 2022 collision west of Nora Springs that resulted in the death of 41-year-old Stephen Miles of Mason City. Two juveniles in Miles’ vehicle, Tyler Miles and Jackson Gobeli, were also injured. Hoy was originally charged with homicide by vehicle – operating under the influence, a Class B felony; homicide by vehicle – reckless driving, a Class C felony; and two counts of serious injury by vehicle, both Class D felonies.Â
Friday, in Cerro Gordo County District Court, Hoy entered a plea of guilty to an amended Count II of his indictment, reducing the charge of homicide by vehicle – reckless driving to involuntary manslaughter – public offense OWI, a Class D felony. He also pleaded guilty to one count of serious injury by vehicle. In exchange, the charge of homicide by vehicle -OWI and the other serious injury by vehicle charge are to be dismissed.
In submitting his plea document, Hoy admitted to driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage that caused the motor vehicle accident that unlawfully and unintentionally caused the death of Stephen Miles. He also admits he unlawfully and unintentionally caused serious injury to Tyler Miles.
No sentencing date has yet been established, but Hoy could be sentenced up to five years in prison and be fined about $10,000 on each count. His license could also be revoke up to three years.
His motion notes he will also pay victim’s restitution of $150,000 to the estate of Stephen Miles, with $100,000 already paid by his insurance company. He will also be responsible for all medical bills for Tyler Miles and Jackson Gobeli which are not covered by insurance.
