BY STACI WILSON

The tractor trailer that plowed into multiple vehicles, killing one man, July 18, 2012 in Lenox twp. was described as a “ticking time bomb” in court Thursday.

Driver Samba Doucoure, 43, Greenboro, N.C., was sentenced to serve 10 to 23 months in jail for the involuntary manslaughter of Brian Wilcox, 56, of Lutherville, Md., who died in the seven-car pileup.

President Judge Kenneth Seamans said, “(The tractor trailer) was a ticking time bomb of tons and tone of rubber and steel.”

At several times during the hearing it was noted that Doucoure is cooperating with police and prosecutors in an investigation that could lead to charges against the owner of the vehicle.

Wilcox’s wife, Eileen, took the stand at the sentencing hearing. She detailed the numerous violations on the truck Doucoure was driving.

“You drove a vehicle you knew was in great disrepair,” she said.

District Attorney Jason Legg said the condition of the tractor trailer was horrendous, comparing the operation of the vehicle to Russian roulette. “It was only a matter of time before something was going to happen.”

Mr. Legg told the court the truck had been out of inspection for a year at the time of the crash; numerous brake failures; a flat tire; and other tires with casing ply and steel belts showing.

Pennsylvania State Police MCEO Rian Stann, revealed several violations conducted an inspection of the tractor trailer after the crash.

Mr. Legg said Stann reported that the vehicle was one of the worst he had seen in his career.

Mrs. Wilcox also spoke about the loss of her husband. “You took away our chance to say good-bye,” she said. “He died by himself.

The Wilcox’s four children also told the court about their father.

Son, Timothy Wilcox said, “My dad was killed and my life is not going to be the same ever again.”

Eldest son Christopher Wilcox said, “This could have happened at any point to anyone. We happen to be the victims in this case. The fault of my father’s death rests in the hands of Mr. Doucoure.”

Mr. Doucoure also took the stand, tearfully apologizing to the Wilcox family. “I’m very, very sorry for your loss,” he said.

Attorney Michael Kotik asked the judge to consider allowing Mr. Doucoure time before reporting to the jail.

Judge Seamans denied the request.

Others sentenced in Susquehanna County Court Thursday included:
Bryan Allen Degraw, 19, of Montrose, to 7 months to 23 months for Corruption of Minors in Franklin Twp. on August 31, 2012.

Katrina Elizabeth Donahue, 20, of Great Bend, to 15 months probation for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Great Bend Twp. on March 8.

Mark William Whittemore, 46, of Montrose, to 8 months to 2 years in a state correctional facility for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Silver Lake Twp. on September 1.

Angel Marisa Powers, 34, of Montrose, to 12 months probation for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Montrose Borough on October 11, 2012. She also received 12 months probation to run concurrent to the above sentence for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Montrose Borough on July 21, 2012.

Clifford P Johnson, 49, of Brooklyn, 12 months probation for Harassment in Montrose Borough on February 20. He also received 12 months probation to run consecutive to the above sentence for Harassment in Montrose Borough on February 20. Finally, Johnson received 3 days to 6 months for Driving Under the influence in Hallstead Borough on June 22, 2012.

Tanner James Whipple, 19, of Montrose, to 3 months to 18 months for Corruption of Minors in Montrose Borough on November 25, 2012. He also received 5 months to 23 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility to run concurrent to the above sentence for Criminal Conspiracy/Manufacture of a Controlled Substance in Montrose Borough on July 19.

Daniel John Treichler, 47, of Montrose, to 3 months to 15 months home confinement for Manufacture, Delivery or Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Manufacture or Deliver in Bridgewater Twp. on May 5.

Elaine A Burris, 42, of Friendsville, for Receiving Stolen Property in Brooklyn Twp. on October 29, 2012.

Michael Groover, 28, of Susquehanna, to 5 days to 6 months for Driving Under the Influence in Lanesboro on September 30, 2012.

Amber Marie Clapper, 27, of Hallstead, to 30 days to 6 months for Driving Under the Influence in Great Bend Twp. on February 24.

Cody Allen Cook, 22, of Vestal, N.Y., to 12 months probation for Harassment in Great Bend Twp. on August 15, 2012.

Earl Michael Wingila, 40, of Bernville, to 18 months to 3 years in a state correctional facility, followed by 4 years probation for Criminal Trespass in Clifford Twp. on July 30. He also received 24 months to 48 months to run concurrent with the above sentence for Receiving Stolen Property in Clifford Twp. on July 26.