Sean C. Morgan
Of The New Era
Ernie Allen, 45, of Sweet Home pleaded not guilty Monday morning to charges of first-degree manslaughter, two counts of driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII) and driving while suspended, misdemeanor (DWS).
Allen appeared on two separate cases. He is accused of manslaughter in the death of 17-year-old John ?Nick? Larson on Aug. 8.
Allen allegedly was driving under the influence of intoxicants when he lost control of his vehicle, a 1983 Ford Fairmont, and spun out across Highway 228 into a power pole near Valley View Drive killing Larsen at the scene.
A grand jury indicted Allen on manslaughter, one DUII charge and DWS.
The District Attorney?s Office dropped the DUII charge in that case and replaced it with a new DUII charge for alcohol and a controlled substance based on new evidence.
Allen also is charged with DUII in a second, unrelated case.
The District Attorney?s Office is moving to combine the cases. Allen and his attorney had no objection to combining the new DUII charge with the manslaughter case, but they objected to consolidating the other other DUII charge.
Allen will appear next on Nov. 23 for a pre-trial hearing and to consider the prosecution?s request to consolidate the cases.
Trial was scheduled for Feb. 27. Attorneys anticipated three to five days for the trial.
Larsen?s mother, Patty Calvery, attended Monday?s hearing.
?I think that he just needs to plea and get it over with and not take it to trial,? Calvery said.
Allen remained lodged at Linn County Jail with a $1 million security requirement.