New Charges for Man Who Drove into Good Nite Inn
According to news reports, the man who is accused of driving his SUV into the Good Nite Inn this summer is facing new charges in court.
He is already facing charges of “Homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle” for the death of Jesus Manuel Quirios Castillo, who was asleep in his motel room and killed by the SUV that came through the building. According to the DA, the driver of the SUV had a BAC of more than .40. If convicted, this will be the drivers 3rd offense of drunk driving.
The man charged, Stephen Van Vleit, is now facing Bail Jumping charges. He had been out of jail on a $25,000 bond. He was in a treatment facility for alcohol. The bail jumping charges are being filed due the fact that Van Vleit did not show up for his daily breath test on Thursday and did not return to the treatment facility until Saturday.
He had a court appearance in Antigo on Oct. 23. Van Vleit is now in jail on a $75,000 cash bond. He has waived his Preliminary Hearing.
According to News Channel 7’s Report, Van Vleit’s lawyer is hoping to come to a plea agreement with the prosecution by the end of November. You can find Channel 7’s report here.
There are some pretty racist and harsh comments on this story on the following blog: Topix Antigo blog
******UPDATE*********
Mr. VanVleit was back in court today and posted an additional $75,000 bond. In combination with his first bond, this is a total of $100,000. It is still unknown if the first $25,000 he paid will be forfeited. He has entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. He is due back in court in February 2008.
*********UPDATE 12/4/07**************
Once again Mr. VanVleit has violated rules of his bond and is now back behind bars. According to the Antigo Daily Journal, VanVleit tested positive for alcohol – against strict orders and the court has now set his bond at an ADDITIONAL $125,000. The violation occurred last Friday and as of today, the new bond amount has not been posted. It is still unknown as to whether his previous bonds will be forfeited.
**********Update 01/09/08**********
According to court records bond was posted today for the amount of $125,000 for Stephen VanVleit. It is still unclear if the previous bonds will be forfeited to the court. He is scheduled to appear back in court on 02/07/08.
*************UPDATE 02/05/08***********
According to the Antigo Journal today, Mr. VanVleit has AGAIN violated the rules of his bond. Judge Kawalski has now set bond at 1 million dollars – the highest bond ever set in Langlade County.
**********UPDATE 09/05/08****************
A Plea deal is apparently in the works for Mr. VanVleit. Read the report posted on News Channel 7’s site HERE.
************UPDATE 09/18/08*************
Mr. VanVleit has pleaded no contest to a deal with the DA. He is set to be sentenced on Dec. 3rd. You can read the story in the Antigo Journal HERE.
***************UPDATE 01/09/09**********
Mr. VanVleit had his sentencing hearing today in Langlade Cty. court. Judge Kawalski has sentenced him to 12 years in prison and 11 years of extended supervision. According to the news report on WSAW, the bond money that has been collected will be used for fines and costs, with the remaining amounts going to the victim’s family. You can read the WSAW article HERE.
****************UPDATE 06/23/10**********
Stephen VanVleit passed away – see his obituary
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