Dubois Co. Judge Imposes Additional Bond Conditions

Last updated on Thursday, October 30, 2014

(DUBOIS CO.) - Dubois County Superior Court Judge Mark McConnell added additional conditions to the bond agreement imposed on the Huntingburg man charged in the traffic fatality of a Perry County woman in September.

24-year-old Brandon Chamberlain was arrested on a warrant charging him with driving while intoxicated causing death; operating while intoxicated causing death with a blood alcohol content greater than .15 percent; and driving while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury.

Chamberlain was traveling northbound on State Road 162, north of Ferdinand, in a 2012 Ford F-350 SuperCrew pick-up truck when he crossed the center line, striking a southbound 2001 Buick Century driven by 60-year-old Donna Marie Evans of Cannelton. The impact pushed Evans's vehicle backwards and off of the east side of the roadway. Evans died as a result of her injuries.

As Chamberlain's Ford continued north, Chamberlain could not maintain control of the vehicle. Due to the violent dynamics of the crash, an ATV in the bed of Chamberlain's truck became airborne and bounced through the windshield and roofline of a red 2013 Mazda CX-5 SUV, driven by 58-year-old Donna R. Trafton of Ferdinand, leaving her seriously injured.

The judge ruled Tuesday on the Dubois County Prosecuting Attorney's office motion to increase Brandon Chamberlain's bond from the $10,000 originally imposed to $100,000.

Judge McConnell denied the increase, but he did impose additional conditions on Chamberlain that he must adhere to as conditions of bond.

He must abstain from consuming alcohol and drugs.
He must submit to and pass random drug and alcohol screens.
He must attend counseling at Southern Hills.
He must be hooked up to and wear a SCRAM alcohol monitoring device.
He must adhere to the license suspension imposed by the BMV, and, if the case has not been resolved until after the initial 180 day license suspension is lifted, he is only allowed to operate a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device.

According to deputy prosecuting attorney Beth Sermersheim, the prosecuting attorney's officer would have liked to see Mr. Chamberlain's bond increased to ensure the safety of the community, but these additional conditions will help to ensure that Chamberlain does not consume alcohol and operate a motor vehicle while these charges are pending.

The prosecuting attorney's office had asked the judge to consider increasing the bond due to Chamberlain's history of past offenses.

He pleaded guilty in March 2013 to drunken driving and was sentenced to probation. He was also required to wear a transdermal alcohol detection device (SCRAM ankle bracelet) for 60 days.

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