Moab man pleads guilty to auto homicide

MONTICELLO — A man charged with automobile homicide in connection with a wreck in the Four Corners area has struck a plea deal with prosecutors.

According to court records, Leander T. Lee, 24, of Moab, pleaded guilty to second-degree felony automobile homicide during an appearance in 7th District Court on Monday. In exchange for his guilty plea, San Juan County prosecutors dismissed a misdemeanor charge of failing to obtain a driver's license.

Sentencing has been scheduled for Jan. 26.

The Utah Highway Patrol said Lee was involved in an Oct. 7 crash that killed Phillotino Nez of Cortez, Colo. Troopers at the time said Lee apparently tried to pass a semitrailer and came upon another car in an oncoming lane. Lee's car swerved back into its lane, clipping the semi and rolling.

— Ben Winslow