Plea deal reached in 2022 case

A Noxon man has reached a plea agreement in the case of a head-on crash last year that involved a sheriff's deputy.

On Monday, Brody Hill addressed Justice of the Peace Doug Dryden. "I made a mistake that I will always regret and remember," he stated. "I apologize to everyone involved." Hill pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of a seatbelt violation and careless driving. He originally was also charged with criminal endangerment and negligent vehicular assault, but those charges were dropped as part of the plea agreement.

According to charging documents, on April 6, 2022, Deputy April Phillips was patrolling Bartholomew Road between Noxon and Heron when a vehicle rounded a corner and hit Phillips' patrol vehicle head on. Hill, the driver of the vehicle, Phillips and a passenger in Hill's vehicle were transported to area hospitals following the collision. Hill's blood alcohol level at the hospital was .08%. Deputies found containers of alcoholic beverages in Hill's vehicle.

Phillips said her patrol pickup had less than 7,000 miles on it before the accident, and stated that it was totaled after.

On Monday, Deputy Phillips read a statement in justice court, detailing the events of the crash and her continuing pain as a result of injuries sustained. "The impact of the unknown vehicle was fast and hard," she stated. "Everything went dark and I was suddenly unsure if I was OK, but knew I was alive." Phillips continued on that she was thankful for the passerby who stopped to help after the accident and the many first responders. "Even though you made choices that caused harm to me and others doesn't mean I don't care, because I do," Phillips told Hill. "I want you to understand that the choices you made that night are still affecting me and others. ... This plea deal is a true gift, so I really hope for you and your family you follow through and stay out of trouble."

As part of the plea agreement, Hill will pay fines for the misdemeanor charges and will have to complete 30 hours of community service. Deputy Phillips asked Hill to work with her for part of that community service and put together a presentation about the choices he made and things he has experienced since then. "I think if we can take such a horrific accident and turn it into a positive learning experience while presenting at schools, then perhaps we could keep even one person from making the same mistakes," Phillips stated. "Let's try to make a difference together and save others in the process."

Phillips' mother Teresa provided a statement that was read in court. "We could be mourning the loss of a beloved Sanders County deputy, a daughter, wife and mother," she wrote. "Mr. Hill, I sincerely hope that you take to heart the latitude that has been given to you during these proceedings and never drink and drive again."

Hill's attorney Nathan Hulling said that Hill took the matter extremely seriously. "Throughout the case, he has been willing to accept responsibility," Hulling said, adding that Hill would like to work with Phillips on educating others about the consequences of choices.