A Lewiston man who severely injured a 10-year-old boy with his vehicle in April will spend at least the next six months in prison while he receives treatment and counseling for alcohol abuse.
Second District Judge Jeff Brudie approved a binding plea agreement for 21-year-old Kheten Brown by imposing an underlying sentence of 3-7 years in prison. The judge also retained jurisdiction in the case, meaning Brown would undergo a period of rehabilitation during his first six months to a year behind bars, after which time a judge could release him on probation if there is sufficient progress.
According to court documents, Brown told officers he was driving about 25 mph over the posted speed limit on Eighth Avenue Boulevard in Lewiston when he saw 10-year-old Phillip Spataro on a green bike, and his father, Christopher Spataro, crossing the street.
After Brown struck both, the boy was taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and later to Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital at Spokane for treatment of a fractured skull. His father did not require medical treatment. Phillip Spataro has since returned home and is recovering.
Once he is released, Brown’s driver’s license will be suspended and he could be ordered to pay an undetermined amount of restitution to the Spataro family. (Lewiston Tribune)
