by Veronica L. McClendon
Staff Writer
Miguel Ledo received 815 days in county jail after appearing in court Monday, on charges related to the Oct. 12 chase of four University of La Verne women while driving his truck drunk.
The presiding judge, Tho Peterson of the Pomona Court House, heard statements from seniors Makayla Benjamin, Donna Besson, Julissa Romero and Shannon McCrea.
As they were giving their statements, they were translated into Spanish for Ledo.
Ledo apologized to the women for what he had done. Benjamin said he did not seem sincere because he did not look in their direction the entire 20 minutes they were in court.
This was Ledo’s first offense. He was sentenced on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and driving under the influence, both felonies, and a hit and run misdemeanor. He will serve two-thirds of his sentence, equivalent to about two years. Probation was denied on all of his charges.
Ledo also said it was not his fault because he had been drinking on an empty stomach.
Benjamin said, “It does not make sense to drink on an empty stomach when you are out to dinner.”
Ledo then explained the reasons behind his actions. He and his wife got into an argument and he became enraged with jealousy, and then confused when his wife said good night to his friends and left.
Peterson was angry the district attorney did not prosecute the case as a felony.
He said that the emotional scares the women endured surpasses any bumps and bruises that the women may have incurred, or property damage to the car.
Ledo’s wife was in court with a child. Benjamin said, “I have no sympathy for him what so ever. I sympathize for his wife and his child.”
“I forgive him as a human being. I don’t hold any malice towards him as a person. I am just happy that justice prevailed,” said Besson.
“I think it is sad that his daughter had to witness him being handcuffed. He didn’t just hurt us, he hurt his family,” said Romero.
McCrea said,”I am confused. I don’t know if what happened is right. I am glad there was a sentence, but I don’t know if that was justice.”
