Woman who hit and killed man banned from owning phone

ST. JOHNS, Mich. (WLNS)-A distracted driver who caused the crash that killed a cyclist last September is going to jail.

Mitzi Nelson,23, pleaded no contest in April to hitting and killing 35-year-old Jill Byeich.

Police said Nelson was distracted by her cell phone, which contributed to the crash.

A judge Wednesday sentenced Nelson to six months in the Michigan Clinton County Jail, as well as 24 months of probation and 150 hours of community service.

As part of the punishment, Nelson must also attend 20 drivers’ education classes and cannot own a phone or portable texting device for two years.

Nelson must also pay more than $15,000 in restitution and court fees.

She has three weeks to appeal the judge’s decision.