By Brian Haytcher
Star Beacon
GEAUGA COUNTY, Ohio — Earlier this week, the 11th District Court of Appeals upheld Jason Slepsky’s four-year prison sentence, resulting from a 2023 crash into a South Central Ambulance District ambulance that killed the patient and injured two paramedics.
In February 2025, Slepsky pleaded no contest to one count of aggravated vehicular homicide and two counts of aggravated vehicular assault, third-degree felonies, according to court records. Two months later, he was sentenced to four years in prison, with his driver’s license suspended for six years.
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On Sept. 26, 2023, Slepsky crashed into a SCAD ambulance on Route 528 in Geauga County, killing William Maley Jr. and injuring the two paramedics.
SCAD Chief Shaun Buehner said Thursday he is pleased the decision was in favor of the victims.
“This tragedy has affected so many people. I do believe that the sentencing was too light, considering the death of our patient and the effects it has had on the two paramedics that were in the ambulance when it was hit,” he said. “On top of that, the district has undergone financial strain from the accident and the loss of a brand new ambulance.
“This crime has also had a emotional and stressful effect on all of the EMTs and paramedics of South Central Ambulance District, as well as the administration.”
In Slepsky’s appeal, his attorney argued the trial court erred in not allowing him to present evidence on how impaired Slepsky was while driving the night of the crash.
The appeals court found there was no error.
“Neither Slepsky nor his counsel proffered the testimony or otherwise provided the court below with any indication of the scope of the witness’s testimony and how such testimony was relevant to the charges,” the court said in its opinion.
The appeal also claimed the state’s explanation of the circumstances of the case was not enough to support convicting Slepsky.
The 11th District opinion stated Slepsky and his attorney did not object to the sufficiency of the indictment, the bill of particulars or prosecutors’ explanation of the circumstances when he pleaded no contest, meaning he waived all issues but plain error.
They further found the indictment and bill of particulars is sufficient to support the charges.
The final grounds for appeal asserted by Slepsky’s attorney was he was not properly advised of the effects of his no contest plea.
The 11th District found while the judge in the trial court did orally explain the effect of the plea, Slepsky was asked if he had read the plea agreement, which included the specific rights he was waiving.
His sentence was stayed pending appeal.
In January, Slepsky was charged with misdemeanor DUI in Chardon Municipal Court. Shortly after, his bond in the ambulance crash case was revoked and he was taken into custody.
Earlier this week, prosecutors filed a motion to lift the stay and impose his sentence.
He has pleaded not guilty to the new charges, and the case is pending.
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