Jeff Paul Hanna, 60, of Fargo, has been sentenced in Becker County District Court for felony criminal vehicular operation after causing a serious crash while under the influence. On November 25, 2023, Hanna ran a red light on Highway 10, crashing into an SUV turning from Airport Road. The collision caused extensive damage to both vehicles, with the SUV’s driver being trapped inside and requiring extraction.
Authorities on the scene noted Hanna smelled of alcohol, and a breath test revealed his blood alcohol concentration at 0.12%. Hanna admitted to having “four to five” drinks before the crash. Both the driver of the SUV and Hanna’s passenger suffered injuries that required hospitalization.
On July 17, 2024, District Judge Gretchen Thilmony sentenced Hanna to 120 days in jail, half of which will be served via electronic home monitoring. He must complete a comprehensive substance abuse program, attend a Mothers Against Drunk Driving Impact Panel, and serve four years on supervised probation. Successful completion of probation will reduce the felony to a misdemeanor.