POLK COUNTY -- The Court has sentenced a man on his conviction of Class D Felony Homicide by Intoxicated Use of Vehicle stemming from a fatal crash that occurred in February 2020 in Polk County, WI.
DrydenWire.com published a post in February 2020, regarding the charges that had been filed against Michael Barkema, of Iowa, following the fatal crash that occurred on February 23, 2020.
Law enforcement officers that responded to the scene of the crash observed numerous clues of impairment when speaking to Barkema. A preliminary breath test was conducted on Barkema, with a result of 0.28. Barkema had been driving a truck that was pulling a trailer. The truck collided with a red Saturn Ion; the driver of which was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash, according to a probable cause report.
In June 2021, Barkema entered a plea of guilty to his charge of Class D Felony Homicide by Intoxicated Use of a Vehicle. DrydenWire.com published a post stating that the Court accepted Barkema’s plea; revoked his bond; and he was remanded to the custody of the Polk County Sheriff.
Online circuit court records show that Barkema appeared on September 10, 2021, for a sentencing hearing regarding his conviction. The Court ordered a 13-year sentence for Barkema; 3 years of initial confinement in Wisconsin State Prison to be followed by 10 years of extended supervision.
Conditions of supervision will require Barkema to maintain absolute sobriety; follow all rules of supervision; and follow through with any further counseling.
The Court also ordered Barkema to complete 100 hours of community service for each year of extended supervision.
Last Update: Sep 16, 2021 11:28 am CDT
