Burchett expected to plead guilty

BY ART BUKOWSKI
abukowski@record-eagle.com

March 26, 2008 04:00 am

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BEULAH -- A Thompsonville man who authorities said caused the crash that killed a Benzie County teacher is expected to plead guilty to a felony charge today.

Katherine Wolterink, 60, died Sept. 24 when a sport utility vehicle driven by John Lee Burchett, 27, crossed the center line on Benzie County's Cinder Road and slammed head-on into her vehicle, police said.

Wolterink was an English teacher at Benzie Central High School.

Burchett is expected to appear in court at 11 a.m. today and plead guilty to operating while intoxicated causing death, Benzie County Undersheriff Rory Heckman said.

The charge carries a maximum of 15 years in prison.

Benzie County Prosecutor Anthony Cicchelli was out of the office, but a spokeswoman in his office confirmed Burchett is expected to enter a plea.

Burchett surrendered to authorities in January. He was arraigned on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death, driving with a suspended license causing death and third-offense drunken driving.

Burchett's blood-alcohol level at the time of the crash allegedly was .17, more than twice the legal limit, authorities said.

"We lost a hell of a valuable member of the community; a beloved teacher," Heckman said. "I can't speak strongly enough against (Burchett)."

A plea can only do so much, Heckman said, but it will shorten the process and possibly reduce the impact on Wolterink's family.

"The good part is this is sparing the family ... of having to sit through the trial," he said.

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