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Juan Ramone Sierra, 45, of Allentown, pleaded guilty on Jan. 16 to Homicide by Vehicle While Driving Under the Influence, Accidents Involving Death While Not Licensed, and Driving Under the Influence – Controlled Substance – 2nd Offense, court records show.
Lehigh County Judge Thomas M. Caffrey sentenced Sierra to five to 10 years in prison followed by seven years of probation, according to District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan.
The fatal crash happened around 12:30 a.m. on Aug. 9, 2021, when Sierra lost control of his car while driving west on Route 22 near Route 145, Pennsylvania State Police said and Daily Voice previously reported. His vehicle veered off the road, hit the grass, and slammed into the base of a light pole.
Jessica M. Rivera, 41, of Allentown, was a passenger in Sierra’s car and was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said. The Lehigh County Coroner ruled her death accidental, citing multiple blunt force trauma.
At the time of the crash, Sierra’s license was suspended. Investigators found drugs and drug paraphernalia in his vehicle, and blood tests later showed he had amphetamine, methamphetamine, and THC in his system, officials said.
Rivera, originally from Guayama, Puerto Rico, is survived by her mother, five children, eight grandchildren, and five siblings. A viewing was held for her on Aug. 15, 2021, at Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Homes in Allentown.
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