‘I am, from the bottom of my heart, truly sorry,’ says man sentenced in death of Champaign County student

The man convicted on charges relating to the death of 15-year-old Sara Hess was sentenced to prison in Champaign County Common Pleas Court on Monday.

Judge Nick Selvaggio sentenced Dylan Lambert, 28, to 10 years in prison for vehicular homicide and vehicular assault charges. He will also have his driver’s license suspended for life.

Once he is released, Lambert is also subject to three years of post-release control. Champaign County Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Talebi said this was the maximum sentence his team asked for in the case.

EARLIER: Champaign Co. man pleads guilty in crash that killed teen girl

Sara Hess was killed Nov. 3 on Ohio 235 at Shanley Road. A crash report obtained by the Springfield News-Sun says 17-year-old Gabe Wier, Hess’ boyfriend, was driving a 2006 Accord that Hess was in. He attempted to make a left hand turn off of Ohio 235 when his car was rear-ended by a 1997 Honda Civic driven by Lambert.

The crash report says Lambert tested at a .232 level of alcohol, which is almost three times the legal limit for driving.

Prior to Judge Selvaggio’s sentence, Lambert apologized to Hess’ and asked the judge for mercy. He said he has a different outlook on the case because he’s a new father.

“I am, from the bottom of my heart, truly sorry. I am sorry to each and every one of you that I have hurt, and I understand that I made a mistake,” he said. “With having my newborn daughter in this world and connecting with her like I do, and I can never imagine someone taking that from me.”

MORE COVERAGE: Remembering Sara Hess

During his sentencing, Lambert also admitted to being under the influence of nonprescription pain killers that he said he was taking for back pain. He also didn’t have any type of car insurance at the time of the crash.

It was also revealed in court that Lambert has an extensive family history of OVIs — and one of those OVIs led to a crash that killed someone.

Lambert’s defense accepted claims that he violated his bond by consuming alcohol and posting pictures about it on social media.

Talebi said the chance of recidivism has an impact on a judge’s decision on the severity of a sentence.

FIRST REPORT: Teen killed in Champaign Co. crash on Ohio 235

Hess’ parents and her boyfriend gave victim statements. Wier said he doesn’t remember much about the crash except waking up in a ditch. He said he reached over to Hess, but her hands were already cold.

Once rescue crews arrived, Hess said he pleaded with them to save her but it was too late.

Nearly every seat in the courtroom was full, which Talebi said is a testament to the amount of community support the case had.

“Sara in particular had a very bright future ahead of her and as her mother discussed in court. It was a future with so many dreams that won’t be realized,” he said.

Lambert’s defense attorney, Nathan Stuckey, declined to comment on Monday’s sentencing.

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