MARION - A Williamson County judge passed down a two-year supervision sentencing Thursday for Shaunn Curry, a Williamson County sheriff's deputy charged with driving under the influence.

Curry crashed his vehicle Dec. 26, 2007, near the intersection of Norman Road and Illinois 13. He was off duty at the time.

A witness who followed Curry as he "drove erratically" testified to accounts that he ran a stop sign at Illinois 13 and crossed all four lanes of traffic, narrowly missing an oncoming vehicle. No one was injured when Curry crashed into an embankment.

In court Thursday, Williamson County State's Attorney Chuck Garnati said he wouldn't recommend a sentencing for Curry but pointed out a number of factors which he asked the judge to consider.

Garnati said Curry's conduct threatened his own life and the lives of others, citing the testimony regarding his erratic driving, calling Curry the "most dangerous driver on the road that night in Williamson County."

Garnati also pointed out Curry is a police officer and knew the law, including knowing not to leave the scene, which he did. By Curry's doing so, Garnati said, officers were unable to conduct a breathalyzer test or issue any warning that could have lead to suspension of driving privileges.

Garnati also said Curry "utilized his indirect authority" in speaking with the officer who responded in response to witness calls to 911. Curry was a supervisor over that officer, according to Garnati.

"I don't think most people would have been capable of walking away from the scene of a very bad accident," he said.

Attorney Bob Drew said Curry has already sustained damage to his reputation and humiliation, as well as getting demoted within the sheriff's department, affecting his pension and retirement.

Curry was sentenced to two years of supervision, a one-year extension of normal sentencing for first-time offenders. He was also ordered to pay all fines, fees and assessments.

tara.fasol@thesouthern.com

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