Charlotte Free Breton, 36, was charged on August 7 in Wright County with aiding and abetting two gross-negligence felonies after prosecutors say she let her unlicensed 15-year-old daughter drive a family minivan on May 3. The vehicle mounted a sidewalk in Rockford, killing pedestrian Laura Bachinski, 55, and seriously injuring her wife, Renee DeLong, 56. Breton admitted she told her daughter to drive; Wright County Attorney Brian Lutes called the prosecution of a passenger "very rare" but said the circumstances justify the charges. Breton is due in court on September 18, and it is unclear whether the teen will face charges because of her age.
Minnesota Mother Faces Felony Charges After Letting Unlicensed 15-Year-Old Drive in Deadly Crash
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA
A Minnesota woman has been indicted on felony charges after prosecutors say she allowed her unlicensed 15-year-old daughter to drive a family minivan, a decision that led to a deadly crash in Rockford, just miles from their home.
What Happened
Law & Crime reported on August 11 that Charlotte Free Breton, 36, of Cologne, was charged on August 7 in Wright County District Court with aiding and abetting two gross-negligence felonies: criminal vehicular homicide and criminal vehicular operation. Prosecutors allege the incident occurred on May 3, one day after the teen’s 15th birthday.
KSTP
According to court records obtained by the Minnesota Star Tribune, the teenager — who had no permit, no license and no prior driving experience — was driving while following GPS directions on her mother’s phone when she approached an intersection in Rockford. Prosecutors say the teen turned too wide, then continued straight instead of stopping, sending the minivan onto a sidewalk where two pedestrians were walking.
Victims and Response
The minivan struck Laura Bachinski, 55, who became pinned beneath the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene despite rescue efforts. Her wife, Renee DeLong, 56, sustained major leg injuries and was hospitalized.
Minnesota Star Tribune Obituaries
Investigation and Charges
Breton reportedly told police she instructed her daughter to drive. Wright County Attorney Brian Lutes called it highly unusual to charge a passenger; he said the circumstances of this case supported the serious charges. He also noted it is uncertain whether the 15-year-old will face criminal charges because of her age.
"It is very rare," Lutes said. "The circumstances of this case are unique. The decisions that were made … support the serious charge."
Breton is scheduled to make her first court appearance on September 18. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities consider whether additional charges are appropriate.
Context
The case highlights legal and safety questions about allowing unlicensed, inexperienced drivers behind the wheel and the potential criminal liability for adults who put minors in a position that endangers others.
Help us improve.
