December 16, 2004

Contact: Lynn Kimbrough, 720-913-9025 

MAN SENTENCED FOR KILLING 10-YEAR-OLD BOY

 A drunk driver who hit and killed a 10-year-old boy nearly a year ago was sentenced in Denver District Court today.

Mario Acklin (DOB: 02-19-75) pleaded guilty earlier to vehicular homicide, DUI and no insurance.  Today he was sentenced to:

·        1 year in jail

·        6 years of probation with alcohol and drug treatment

·        386 hours of community service

·        $500 fine

Acklin was driving drunk on December 19, 2003 when he hit 10-year-old Brendon Swatko near the intersection of 50^th Avenue and Meade Street as the boy was crossing the street.  Brendon, who lived in La Veta, was visiting Denver for an event at a local church when he was killed.

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