Edgar Keller Jr. was sentenced to 9.5 years in prison as a Habitual Felony Offender, followed by 6 months of probation, for one count of DUI with Serious Bodily Injury. His driver’s
license was suspended for one year. Keller must also pay court costs, a $500 fine, and attend a DUI school which includes substance abuse counseling. The 31-year-old was found guilty following a two-day trial in Charlotte County in July.
The crime happened on February 3, 2018. The defendant was driving the wrong way on Tamiami Trail in Punta Gorda and crashed head-on into a car at the intersection of E. William Street. The victim in the other car suffered serious injuries.
The Punta Gorda Police Department handled the investigation. A blood draw was taken from the defendant and a toxicology report indicated there were four different controlled substances in his system, including methamphetamine.
Assistant State Attorney Garrick Soja and Assistant State Attorney Caitlin Sorenson prosecuted the case.