Woman Takes Plea in Crash That Killed West Palm Beach Officer

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Associated Press

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- A 24-year-old woman involved in a fatal crash with a motorcycle officer accepted a plea deal that allows her to avoid jail time.

Sonia Ortiz was sentenced to six months of a lenient house arrest that will allow her to work, followed by 18 months probation, under the plea bargain approved Thursday. Ortiz must also perform 50 hours of community service and take a four-hour driving course.

"I'm looking forward to getting my life back together," Ortiz said.

The October 2003 crash killed Officer Thomas Morash, 33, a seven-year veteran of the West Palm Beach police department. Ortiz, who did not have a license, pulled out in front of officer, causing the collision, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report.

Ortiz was charged with driving without a valid driver license causing death.

Morash's widow, Andrea Morash, said she was still waiting for an apology.

"How can you forgive someone who hasn't even apologized?" she asked.