A Wahpeton man was sentenced to 10 years in prison with five years of the sentence suspended for driving a truck under the influence of alcohol and killing 20-year-old Wahpeton woman, Bailey Bernstein.
Chad Olson, 53, bypassed a trial on Tuesday by entering a guilty plea to charges of criminal vehicular homicide-felony involving a motor vehicle, a Class A felony, and duty in accident involving death or injury-death, a Class B felony. Each of the charges carries a 10-year prison sentence. The charges will be served concurrently and Olson was given credit for 342 days already served. Five of the years are to be served and the other five are suspended.
Richland County Judge Bradley A. Cruff gave his decisions after two hours of testimonies. Olson also spoke to apologize.
Olson turned himself into jail days before his sentencing after a warrant was issued for violating terms of his probation.
Bernstein was struck by Olson’s vehicle while walking with her mother, Christy Bernstein, on Oct. 12, 2023. She died from her injuries on Oct. 15.
