FAIRFIELD — A rural Sims man is facing a possible 14-year prison sentence after he recently pleaded guilty to aggravated driving under the influence causing a death, a Class 2 felony.

Wayne County State’s Attorney Kevin Kakac said Justin E. DeJaynes, 23, of Sims admitted in court Thursday he was drunk the night of July 3, 2007, when the truck he was driving crossed over the centerline on U.S. 45, one mile north of Geff, into the path of a northbound vehicle driven by Christopher Hardiek, 19, of Dieterich.

Hardiek, who was an Airman in the U.S. Air Force, was on his way home to visit his parents before being deployed, said Kakac. He was pronounced dead at Fairfield Memorial Hospital, Fairfield, shortly after the accident.

Reports presented in court by Illinois State Police District 19 officers indicated DeJaynes had to be driving the vehicle because the truck brake pedal was driven completely through his leg, said Kakac.

Other police reports indicated DeJaynes’ blood alcohol level at the time he was taken into the emergency room was 0.242, said Kakac. An additional test was given to DeJaynes by police at a later time showing a level of 0.171. The legal blood alcohol level in Illinois is 0.08.

By pleading guilty to aggravated driving under the influence, other underlying charges were dismissed, including the reckless homicide charge, said Kakac.

DeJaynes will be sentenced in Wayne County Circuit Court April 2.

Nicole Eversole can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 128 or nicole.eversole@effinghamdailynews.com.

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