DRIVER PLEADS NO CONTEST IN DEATH OF CHICO JOGGER

OROVILLE -- A 26-year-old man pleaded no contest Tuesday in Butte
County Superior Court to a drug charge and gross vehicular
manslaughter while intoxicated for causing the death of a Chico jogger.

Jimmy Candido Flores of Forest Ranch faces a maximum of 10 years and
eight months in prison and a fine of as much as $27,000 for the
charges, including possession of marijuana for sale.

Flores was driving under the influence of marijuana about 9 a.m. July
22* when he struck Carrie Jean Holiman, a 56-year-old Corning
elementary school teacher, who was jogging on the shoulder of Oro
Chico Highway near Estates Drive.

Judge Clare Keithley told Flores gross vehicular manslaughter is
considered a serious felony and if he commits another felony, it could
double the sentence. She said he will also have to file as a narcotics
offender.

For the marijuana charge, the prosecution alleged Flores's girlfriend,
Rachel Hartfield, 19, tried to sell marijuana to an undercover
narcotics agent to pay Flores's legal fees.

Officers reportedly searched and found marijuana at a home on Oro
Chico Highway in Durham and another on Tiger Lily Drive in Forest
Ranch. In Forest Ranch, officers reportedly found several large tubs
filled with processed pot, a loaded 9 mm pistol and evidence that
hashish was being produced.

Hartfield pleaded no contest to child endangerment and possession of
marijuana for sale Nov. 17 in front of Judge Robert Glusman.

She will return to court Jan. 12 for a probation report and
sentencing.

Keithley referred Flores to the Probation Department for a sentence
recommendation. Flores will remain in custody until his sentencing
Feb. 2.

Correction, Wed., Nov. 24, 2010: The original version of this story
incorrectly described the time of the crime. It was about 9 a.m. July
22.

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