Steven Jalbert to serve 90 days of house arrest
UPDATED 1:30 PM EDT Jun 14, 2016
A Barre inspection mechanic is convicted of reckless endangerment after passing a car that crashed and killed a woman.
Steven Jalbert was a certified inspection mechanic in May 2014 when he inspected Donald and Elizabeth Ibey’s 1992 Chevrolet Corsica.
Elizabeth Ibey, 83, died in a crash two month later.
Jalbert passed the Ibeys car despite the brake lines and rocker panels being rusted, corroded and in a visibly unsafe condition.
Investigators said Jalbert didn’t test the brakes, remove a wheel, put the car on a lift or test it on the road before passing it.
Jalbert’s employer was using an out-of-date inspection manual, according to investigators.
Jalbert originally pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and reckless endangerment charges last August. He changed his plea last Friday and was sentenced to six to 18 months in prison, all suspended but for 90 days of house arrest.
Jalbert was also ordered to participate in a reparative training program.
The Vermont Attorney General said this was the first case of criminal prosecution after a negligent vehicle safety inspection
