A 45-year-old Mendon man 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.
According to a probable-cause statement, James W. Pleasant drove his vehicle through barricades which stated Route M was closed due to flooding. Also in the vehicle was 32-year-old Alicia L. Meyer, who was primarily confined to a wheelchair. The report says Pleasant drove 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 at approximately noon on June 4.
Online court documents say Pleasant has been charged with a Class C Felony for Involuntary Manslaughter in the First Degree. Bond for Pleasant has been fixed at $50,000 cash only.
Pleasant waived his formal arraignment and entered a plea of not guilty on June 11. His next hearing is scheduled to be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, at Chariton County Circuit Court.