10 year sentence in DUI accident that killed two young suburban men

Thomas Ofenloch   Kane Co. State's Attorney photo

An Aurora man is sentenced to ten years in prison for a DUI accident that killed two of his friends in 2007.

Thomas Ofenloch, 26, of the 1300 block of Balmoral Court, was sentenced today, the second day of emotional impact statements from the victims' families.

Killed in the crash were Joshua Sutton and Andrew Berger. Both were 21 and both were from Batavia.

On August 4, 2007, Ofenloch was driving the victims in his  2007 Nissa Sentra when he crashed into a tree near Sugar Grove. It's estimated he was driving between 104 and 113 miles per hour in a 55 speed zone when he lost control of the car, according to prosecutors.

An investigation showed his blood alcohol content was .149 at the time of the crash. Prosecutors say he also had marijuana in his system.

Ofenloch had previously been charged with DUI and reckless driving in June of 2007 in Cook County. He was out on bond at the time of the Kane County crash.

Ofenloch pleaded guilty in February to two counts of aggravated DUI and one count of DUI in the Kane County case. He had faced a maximum 28 year sentence.

In handing down the sentence today, Circuit Judge Timothy Q. Sheldon said he took into account Ofenloch’s history of substance abuse. Sheldon also cited Ofenloch’s “horrendous driving record,”  and his “total disregard” for others on Illinois’ roadways.

The Kane County State's Attorney's office reports Ofenloch had numerous citations for driving more than 20 mph over the speed limit and one for driving more than 31 mph over the limit. Other infractions included driving without insurance and driving on a suspended license.

He must serve 85 percent of the ten year sentence before he is eligible for parole.

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