Miller pleads innocent

SANDPOINT — An Oldtown man implicated in a deadly traffic accident last summer pleaded not guilty Monday to a felony charge of vehicular manslaughter.

Jason Charles Miller's trial is set for June 11. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000

Miller, 25, is accused of causing the crash which killed a Washington state man on July 1, 2006. The collision happened south of Priest Lake on Highway 57.

Idaho State Police say Miller was northbound and used a southbound lane to overtake vehicles ahead of him. Miller's pickup truck struck a sedan driven by 78-year-old Richard Martin Boge, who was ahead of Miller and turning left into a waste collection site.

Charging papers cite several potential factors for the crash, including speed, inattention, reckless driving and unsafe passing. The defense has argued Boge was to blame because he turned in front of Miller.

Methamphetamine was found in Miller's truck after the crash. He is scheduled to be tried on the felony drug possession charge on March 27.

If convicted of that offense, Miller could be sentenced to up to seven years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines.