Christopher M. Thomas of Bushkill, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on July 22 to 57 months’ imprisonment for homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
United States Attorney Brian D. Miller said that in June 2024, Thomas was driving through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area while under the influence of methamphetamine. Multiple cars and two motorcycles had stopped more than 400 feet ahead to allow deer to cross. Thomas did not stop and continued at a high rate of speed, crashing into one of the motorcyclists who was pronounced dead at the scene. A subsequent blood draw and forensic analysis revealed significant levels of amphetamine and methamphetamine in Thomas’s blood.
In sentencing Thomas at the top end of his guideline range, United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick cited “the serious and deadly nature of the offense, the need to provide just punishment, and the need to deter Thomas and others from committing similar offenses.” The case was investigated by the National Park Service and Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle A. Moreno prosecuted.
The U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania operates under the United States Department of Justice with facilities in Harrisburg, Scranton, Williamsport, and Wilkes-Barre; it serves about 3.2 million residents across a region covering over 21,900 square miles; its responsibilities include prosecuting federal crimes, civil litigation on behalf of government agencies, victim assistance programs as well as initiatives such as Project Safe Neighborhoods aimed at community safety—all according to the official website.
Thomas received his sentence after Judge Mehalchick emphasized deterrence as a key consideration.