(Citrus County, FL) Today, 63-year-old Frank Meyer was sentenced to 20 Years in the Florida Department of Corrections for his DUI Manslaughter conviction, which tragically took the life of 35-year-old Jennifer Bossert. Jurors found Meyer guilty on all three counts back in May, including Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Manslaughter, Driving Under the Influence with Serious Bodily Injury, and Driving Under the Influence with Property Damage.
“While justice was served with this sentence, no imposed time could ever restore the irreversible loss of life – and that is the true tragedy,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “The consequences of driving while impaired are devastating and there is no excuse whatsoever.”
On June 11, 2022, shortly before 11 p.m., Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash that occurred on South Florida Avenue in Floral City. Once on scene, officials determined that the Hyundai, being driven by Meyer, made a left turn in front of the motorcycle that Jennifer was on, not yielding the right of way. Both occupants of the motorcycle were immediately transported for medical treatment.
A witness on scene told law enforcement officers that the motorcycle Jennifer was on, being driven by her husband, was traveling in a group of fellow motorcycle friends, leaving the Checkers in Inverness. Just prior to the crash, the witness stated the vehicle driven by Meyer turned directly into the path of the motorcycle Jennifer was on, ejecting both her and the driver.
During FHP’s investigation, Meyer stated to authorities that he was turning into the Liquor Plus store parking lot to purchase cigarettes. While questioning Meyer regarding the collision, FHP Troopers observed signs of impairment and determined that Meyer was under the influence.
Meyer then told officials he had drank beer at the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) earlier in the day. He agreed to perform field sobriety exercises and failed each exercise. He then consented to a breathalyzer which indicated his breath alcohol content to be 0.27. Meyer was placed under arrest for DUI.
On the afternoon of Sunday, June 13, 2022, doctors at the Ocala Regional Medical Center pronounced Jennifer deceased. Meyer was subsequently charged with DUI manslaughter in the death of Jennifer and serious bodily injury due to the injuries sustained by Jennifer’s husband during the crash.
Assistant State Attorneys Blake Shore and Kevin Davis diligently prosecuted this case.
Published on 06/28/2024.