TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO-WAWV)– Richard Hoke receives 25 year prison sentence after guilty plea for May 1, 2023 high speed pursuit and crash.
Richard Hoke pleaded guilty today to Resisting Law Enforcement, fleeing in a vehicle, resulting in catastrophic injury, a Level 3 felony and admitted to being a habitual offender. The criminal case arose when Hoke fled from Terre Haute Police exceeding 80 mph in the area of 25th Street and Ohio Blvd. When running the red light at this intersection at over 70 mph, Hoke crashed into a vehicle being driven by Harold Travioli. During the sentencing hearing, Travioli and his family testified about the extent of his life altering, permanent injuries and the constant pain he continues to endure. Among Hoke’s nine prior felony convictions are two prior convictions for fleeing from police in a vehicle.
Chief Deputy Prosecutor Rob Roberts argued Hoke was an ongoing danger to the community whose apologies and plea to the court for leniency rang hollow. Hoke asked for a minimum executed sentence and an opportunity to receive alcohol and drug treatment in lieu of a lengthy prison sentence.
In announcing the 25-year sentence, Vigo Superior Court Division 1 Judge Charles Johnson found Hoke’s criminal history, repeated probation violations, and the extent of the injuries suffered by Mr. Travioli warranted an enhanced prison sentence. Judge Johnson gave Hoke the opportunity to request a modification of his sentence after completing at least 20 years of the sentence if he also completes treatment while at the Indiana Department of Correction.
“This type of tragic incident is the fear of every police officer.” Said Prosecutor Terry Modesitt. “Richard Hoke endangered dozens of pedestrians and drivers while engaging in this brief, high-speed flight near a middle school, shopping center, and residential care facility. His history of this type of criminal activity and repeat offenses after five prior prison stays warranted this lengthy sentence.”
