ATHENS, Ga. — Former University of Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter was given 12 months of probation and a $1,000 fine on Thursday after pleading no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing related to a crash that killed Bulldogs offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staff member Chandler LeCroy.
Projected as one of the top players in next month’s NFL draft, Carter was sentenced in Athens-Clarke County Municipal Court, according to a statement from attorney Kim T. Stephens, who represented the player. Carter also must complete 50 hours of community service and a state-approved defensive driving course, and his driving privileges have been suspended for 120 days.
The state can’t bring additional charges against Carter, according to the statement, which said the 21-year-old from Apopka, Florida, entered the pleas “in order to resolve this matter in the most efficient manner possible.”
Will Fleenor, solicitor general for Athens-Clarke County, released a statement saying law enforcement evaluated whether more serious charges were needed. Talks between his office, the district attorney’s office and the prosecuting attorneys’ council determined the traffic offenses were appropriate.
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department issued an arrest warrant for Carter on March 1, alleging he raced his 2021 Jeep Trackhawk against the 2021 Ford Expedition driven by LeCroy on Jan. 15. LeCroy, 24, and Willock, 21, died in the crash, which happened hours Georgia celebrated its second consecutive national championship with a parade and ceremony.