NORTHAMPTON – A Montgomery man pleaded not guilty in Northampton District Court Wednesday to a charge of motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation.
Joshua Hall, 42, is alleged to have been driving a truck on July 11 that crashed on Route 112 in Huntington and threw the passenger, Melinda Carriveau, 39, from the front seat.
Carriveau died as a result of the crash. She was a letter carrier in Huntington, and was a graduate of Minnechaug Regional High School.
State Police subsequently conducted an investigation, and proceeded to arrest Hall on Tuesday. His bail was set at $1,000, which he posted.
State Police allege that Hall was driving at approximately 90 mph under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
At the arraignment, a not guilty plea was entered on Hall’s behalf. Assistant District Attorney Caleb Weiner asked for conditions for Hall’s release that included Hall having to abstain from alcohol, as well as for Hall to be barred from driving a vehicle. His bail was also ordered to stand.
Hall has already had his license revoked as an immediate threat by the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Hall and his attorney, Torran Bagamary, agreed to the conditions. Because a SCRAM unit, a device that allows for remote alcohol testing, is currently not available, Hall was ordered to report to probation daily until a unit is installed.
If convicted of this charge, Hall could spend up to 2 ½ years in prison.
Bera Dunau can be reached at bdunau@gazettenet.com.