Nebraska Regent Faces Calls To Resign After DUI Crash That Injured Family
OMAHA, NE — A University of Nebraska regent accused of driving under the influence in a May crash that injured several people is facing growing calls to resign after an emotional confrontation during Friday’s Board of Regents meeting in Omaha.
Father Of Injured Children Confronts Regent
Ricoh Mountain, whose three daughters were among those hurt in the crash, stood before the board and demanded that Regent Elizabeth O’Connor step down. Mountain questioned why it took authorities nearly two months to file charges and whether the regent received special treatment.
“This matter took two months to file any charges,” Mountain said. “Now ask yourself, had that been me, would it have taken more than two months to file any formal charges — and would I still be back at my job on Monday making decisions for the youth?”
Mountain said he wants the board to “understand the facts” and to hold O’Connor accountable.
Crash And Charges
Court documents show that O’Connor, 34, was charged with DUI causing serious bodily injury, a Class 3A felony punishable by up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The Douglas County Court affidavit states that on May 21, O’Connor was driving a green 2024 Subaru Outback eastbound on Blondo Street when she crossed into oncoming traffic and hit a 2013 Ford Focus head-on in Omaha’s Benson neighborhood.
Police reported O’Connor’s blood alcohol content at 0.321%, more than four times the legal limit.
A passenger in the other vehicle suffered a broken back and pelvis, while three children in the same car sustained additional injuries. Both vehicles were totaled, and O’Connor was hospitalized with minor wounds.
Legal Proceedings And Fallout
O’Connor pleaded not guilty in late August. Her case has since moved to district court, with a pretrial hearing scheduled for Monday.
She has been removed from her position with the Douglas County Attorney’s Office but remains a sitting member of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
Political Pressure Mounts
The fallout from the crash continues to grow. State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha said she is exploring potential articles of impeachment to remove O’Connor from office.
Meanwhile, Mountain has launched an online petition calling for O’Connor to resign as regent and lose her law license, arguing that public officials should be held to higher standards of accountability.
O’Connor has not issued a public statement since entering her plea.
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