GILA RIVER MAN SENTENCED TO 41 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER

PHOENIX – Steven Burnette III, 41, of Sacaton, Arizona, was sentenced on January 17, 2012, by Judge Roslyn O. Silver to 41 months imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release.  Burnette pleaded guilty on August 30, 2011, to the crime of involuntary manslaughter. 

On December 3, 2010, Burnette drove his car, which contained three passengers, while intoxicated.  Burnette drove in excess of 50 miles per hour on a dirt road on the Gila River Indian Community. After failing to stop for stop signs and driving erratically, Burnette crashed into a canal that he did not see. Burnette’s front seat passenger died as a result of the crash. Burnette’s blood alcohol concentration was .18.

            The investigation in this case was conducted by the Gila River Police Department.  The prosecution was handled by Heather H. Belt, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

CASE NUMBER:            CR-11-464-PHX-ROS    
RELEASE NUMBER:   2012-009(Burnette)

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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/