A Mendon man who has been charged with a felony relating to the death of person who was in his vehicle as he allegedly drove around barricades on a roadway in Chariton County on May 31 is due in court this week.
According to a probable-cause statement, authorities allege James W. Pleasant drove his vehicle through barricades which stated Route M was closed due to flooding. Alicia L. Meyer, age 32 who was primarily confined to a wheelchair, was inside the vehicle at the time. Pleasant is alleged to have driven into the flooded roadway despite the rushing water; and his vehicle was washed off the south side of the roadway. Pleasant was able to escape through the trunk of the vehicle, but Meyer was trapped in the vehicle and died. Her body was located in the submerged vehicle on June 4.
Court documents say Pleasant, who is now 46, has been charged with a Class C Felony for Involuntary Manslaughter in the First Degree.
Pleasant waived his formal arraignment and entered a plea of not guilty on November 7. His next hearing is scheduled to be held at 9 a.m. on Thursday, December 5, at Chariton County Circuit Court.