Charges of Vehicular Manslaughter Filed Against Douglas County District Court Judge

Vehicular manslaughter charges were filed today by the Douglas County DA Mark Jackson against Judge Michael Gibbons. On August 20, 2013, cyclist Joseph Longo was killed in an accident near Pinenut and East Valley Roads in the Carson Valley. Charges state that Gibbons failed to exercise due care when overtaking or passing Longo who was traveling in the same direction. Gibbons is accused of failing to pass at a safe distance and not using due care to avoid a collision.

Jackson's criminal complaint was filed in court today. Gibbons' initial court appearance in the East Fork Township Justice Court is currently scheduled for January 13, 2013, at 8:30 a.m. Gibbons is a District Court Judge in Douglas County.

Since 2005, the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office has charged eight other negligent drivers with vehicular manslaughter. Seven of those negligent drivers were convicted of vehicular manslaughter and one case is currently pending. Of the seven convicted negligent drivers, two of those drivers served actual jail time as part of their sentences. Other negligent drivers were sentenced to either a suspended jail term or a fine only. In the cases wherein jail was imposed, there were either aggravating circumstances, a criminal history or strong victim recommendations for a term of confinement.

According to the Nevada Highway Patrol Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) report, there were no aggravating circumstances, egregious or intentional conduct resulting in the collision. The MAIT investigation concluded that the collision between Gibbons’ vehicle and Longo’s bicycle was as a result of simple negligence.