From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

Janklow Faces Felony Manslaughter Count, AMA Reports

PICKERINGTON, OH — U.S. Rep. Bill Janklow (R-S.D.) has been charged with a felony count of second-degree manslaughter for allegedly causing an accident in which a Minnesota motorcyclist was killed, reports the American Motorcyclist Association.

According to police reports, Janklow was driving a Cadillac at speeds of 70 to 75 mph on a 55-mph county road in eastern South Dakota Aug. 16, when he ran a stop sign and sped into the path of a motorcycle ridden by Randolph Scott, 55, of Hardwick, Minn. Scott was killed instantly.

Moody County State’s Attorney Bill Ellingson filed charges against Janklow Friday. They include the felony manslaughter charge, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. If he is found guilty of the manslaughter charge, Janklow would lose his authority to vote in the U.S. House of Representatives under terms of the House Ethics Rules.

In addition, Janklow has been charged with reckless driving, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine; speeding; and failure to stop at a stop sign. Each of those charges could result in 30 days in jail and a $200 fine.

The charges represent the maximum Janklow could face under South Dakota law, which requires evidence of alcohol or drug use for a charge of vehicular homicide.

Janklow’s initial court appearance is set for Tuesday at the Moody County Courthouse in Flandreau, South Dakota.

Since the crash, the AMA has been closely monitoring the investigation of this tragic incident, and has been urging South Dakota officials to ensure that the case receives a fair and thorough examination. Through the AMA Rapid Response Center at the Association’s website, www.AMADirectlink.com, motorcyclists have sent more than 1,800 messages to state officials in support of that request.