Ex-Cop Convicted In Beach ATV Crash Gets 18 Months In Prison
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The former Miami Beach Police Officer found guilty of reckless driving last month was sentenced Thursday to 18-months in state prison.
Circuit Judge Marisa Tinkler-Mendez read Kuilan's sentence but before doing so she spoke her mind. "Nobody is above the law. That's where the balancing has to come in as to what I believe would be a fair and appropriate punishment" said Judge Tinkler-Mendez.
Leading up to the sentencing Kuilan spoke for the first time since he was charged. In his orange jail scrubs and handcuffed Kuilan stood up and addressed the courtroom "I'm not an animal I do have feelings. I've cared for the two victims from day one. Losing my job was something that happened as opposed to my concern for the victims" said Kuilan.
One of the victims Kuilan ran over while driving impaired in his department-issued ATV was also in court. Kitsy Micanor was also present to hear the sentencing but before it was read she wanted to express herself on how her life forever changed the night of July 3, 2011. She wrote it in a letter and it was read by the state's attorney David Gilbert in court.
"I live with scars. I would love to take my son out and enjoy him before this happened but I can't. I don't have work and I am scared about everything around me," said David Gilbert the prosecutor as he read Micanor's letter in court.
In a final plea several of Kuilan's friends and his wife Veronica spoke in court, she sobbed hopping for compassion when it came to sentencing. "We can only ask for forgiveness we are truly sorry please have mercy on my family making a decision on my husband's fate" said Veronica Kuilan in court.
On June 9th, a jury found Kuilan, 33, guilty of reckless driving with serious bodily injury and another, lesser count, of reckless driving.
He was found not guilty by the jury of two counts of driving under the influence and causing serious bodily harm.
Kuilan, in addition to his prison sentence, must complete 200 community hours, which includes DUI school and also victim impact panel. His license will also be suspended for three years following his release date.
Also, Kuilan must pay more than $5 million in restitution to the victims.
READ: Ex-Beach Cop Charged In ATV Joyride Found Guilty Of Reckless Driving
Kuilan faced up to five years in prison.
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