MOHAVE COUNTY — A Kingman man will serve no additional jail time for lying to law enforcement officers investigating a traffic fatality six months ago. Brandon Tosh, 31, is convicted of attempted hindering prosecution for the deadly incident that occurred in Golden Valley.
Tosh and co-defendant Maximilliano Chavez, 30, Kingman had been drinking in Laughlin before returning to Mohave County in the early morning hours of May 2. The Chevrolet pickup truck driven by Chavez crossed the center line of the roadway, resulting in a head on collision with a Hyundai SUV in the vicinity of W. Shinarump Drive and S. Apache Road.
The driver of the SUV, Marian Merk, 61, Golden Valley, was dead at the scene.
Chavez drove off and was arrested the next day, while authorities arrestedTosh after he was located hiding in some brush near the crash site.
Deputy county attorney Jennifer Brodie said Tosh told investigators he had met the driver that day and did not know his name. She said she did so to protect Chavez, a friend since high school.
Judge Derek Carlisle placed Tosh on probation for three years. He imposed a 20-day jail sentence, crediting Tosh with 20 days already served.
Chavez is in the Arizona Department of Corrections. Judge Carlisle ordered a 10.5-year prison term for manslaughter.