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CLEAR LAKE | A Clear Lake woman who crashed into a deputy's vehicle while driving drunk in October will complete a weekend diversion program instead of serving jail time.  

Stacey Irene Lester, 44, on Nov. 20 pleaded guilty to operating while intoxicated -- first offense. A charge of failure to yield to an emergency vehicle was dismissed. 

On Nov. 21, District Associate Judge Karen Kaufman Salic sentenced Lester to one year in jail with all but two days suspended and a $1,250 fine.

Clear Lake woman accused of driving drunk, crashing into deputy's vehicle

On Monday, another order was filed changing the sentence to an "approved two-day weekend diversion program" instead of two days in jail. 

If Lester fails to provide verification of completion to to court, an arrest warrant will be issued and she must serve jail time, court documents said. 

The maximum penalty for the charge is one year in jail and a $1,250 fine, according to state law. The minimum sentence is 48 hours in jail and a $1,250 fine. 

Assistant Cerro Gordo County Attorney Andrew Olson sent the plea agreement offer to Lester’s attorney Nov. 20.

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Prosecutors recommended one year in jail, with all but two days suspended, and a $1,250 fine, with half waived for Lester having a restricted license. 

Lester's jail term could be served through the "OWI weekend hotel program," Olson recommended in the plea agreement. 

• 95 odd North Iowa crime stories from 2018: Pasta salad evidence, cigarette robbery, stolen pigs (with mugshots)

Lester rear-ended the deputy's squad car while the deputy was outside the vehicle speaking with a driver during a traffic stop near Main Avenue and South Eighth Street in Clear Lake about 12:35 a.m. Oct. 27, court documents said. 

Lester fled the scene but was apprehended by the deputy within a few blocks, according to court documents. She refused breath testing but completed field sobriety tests, which court documents said determined she was under the influence of alcohol. 

No one was hurt in the incident. 

Photos: North Iowa's mugshots of 2018

 

 

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Contact Courtney at 641-421-0534 or on Twitter @CourtneyFiorini.

 

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