LOGAN — A 40-year-old Logan man has admitted to of causing a fatal accident in Wellsville 18 months ago that killed a Brigham City man. Jorge Luis Robles remains in the Cache County Jail after being arrested following the crash Sept. 22, 2022.
According to court records, Robles appeared April 17 in Logan’s 1st District Court. He accepted a global plea deal for three separate cases. He pleaded guilty to negligently operating a vehicle resulting in death, a second-degree felony; negligently operating a vehicle resulting in serious injury and possession or use of a controlled substance, both third-degree felonies; along with misdemeanors for driving under the influence and possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.
According to prosecutors, Robles was driving under the influence of drugs when he drifted into oncoming traffic, causing a six vehicle pileup that killed 32-year-old Joshua William Hansen of Brigham City. Another individual was transported to the hospital and underwent surgery.
Ford F-150 truck troopers report drifted into oncoming traffic, causing a six vehicle crash along US-89/91, Sept. 22, 2022. (Photo: Utah Department of Public Safety)
Utah Highway Patrol Troopers report Robles was driving a Ford F-150 southbound on US-89/91, early on that morning. He drifted across the center lane and into oncoming traffic, striking multiple vehicles, near the American West Heritage Center. He was transported by ambulance to Logan Regional Hospital, where doctors reported that he showed signs of having an illegal controlled substance in his system.
Robles’ family told investigators that he has a history of heroin and marijuana use.
Court records show, Robles was an alcohol restricted driver after previously being convicted of driving under the influence. His driver’s license had also been revoked and he had been cited previously for driving on a suspended license.
At the time of the crash, Robles was free on bail after being arrested for possession of a distributable amount of a controlled substance.
Fatal crash along US-89/91 near Wellsville, Sept. 22, 2022. (Photo: Utah Department of Public Safety)
As part of the plea deal, prosecutors agreed to dismiss 14 remaining charges in exchange for Robles’ plea. They will also recommend a concurrent sentence.
Judge Brian Cannell ordered Robles to undergo a presentence report about his criminal history, compiled by Adult Probation and Parole agents. A special sentencing hearing was scheduled for July 10.
Robles is being held in jail without bail. He could face up to 15 years in prison.