Ex-Deputy Sentenced To 90 Days For Causing Deadly Crash

A judge has sentenced a former El Paso County Sheriff’s deputy to 90 days in jail for causing a deadly crash, choosing not to give him the maximum sentence of one year behind bars. Rodney Fannin will also serve two years of probation and 200 hours of community service.

Last week, it took jurors less than two hours to find Fannin guilty of careless driving resulting in death, a misdemeanor offense. The crash in August on Highway 94 and Curtis Road killed Air Force Captain Vivian Elmo, 41.

There were some gasps in the packed courtroom from Elmo’s family and friends after the sentence was announced Wednesday. Some, including Elmo’s father and sister, spoke prior to sentencing about Elmo and their hopes that Fannin would get a proper penalty.

“What hurt my family even more than the passing of my sister, is that (Fannin) did not plead guilty,” said Elmo’s sister, Theresa Elmo, who spoke by phone from Hawaii. “He should have taken ownership of this and we could have all moved on. But instead, he dragged my family to court.”

Elmo’s friends from the Air Force described her as a loving and kind person who sponsored children in other countries and hoped to adopt her own child. Her family said she was the glue that held them together and spoke about how proud they were of her successful military career.

“No parent wants to outlive their child,” said Tom Elmo, Elmo’s father. “This has been an overwhelming shock for us.”

Rodney Fannin didn’t take the stand during his three-day trial, but he addressed the court Wednesday, tearing up as he apologized to Elmo’s family.

“I think about Cpt. Elmo every day and this horrible accident,” said Fannin.

Fannin’s friends and family spoke on his behalf before sentencing, telling the court he was a good man, great father and an asset to the Ellicott community. His son told the court that his dad was “his hero.”

Fannin’s friend Mike Bartusek told KRDO Newschannel 13 that Fannin hasn’t been the same since the crash.

“Knowing Rodney for several years, you can look at him, he always had a smile on his face,” said Bartusek. “When you look at him now, there’s no light in his eyes. His soul is just so dark right now.”

Fannin will report to jail on April 29. The judge granted him work release and said it would be up to the DMV whether he will lose his license.