CHATSWORTH, Ga. (AP) -- A Dalton man facing vehicular homicide charges has been ordered to visit three north Georgia high schools and speak with students about the dangers of distracted driving.
Authorities said 65-year-old Jerry Ray Deal pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree homicide by vehicle on Wednesday. The guilty pleas were in connection with the deaths of 7-year-old Billy Martin and 33-year-old Jason William Vick, both of Ellijay.
District Attorney Kermit McManus says his office recommended the idea, which involves high schools in Murray and Gilmer counties.
The Daily Citizen of Dalton reported that Deal said he was distracted by his cell phone as he pulled onto a highway.
He was also sentenced to 24 months of probation and $2,000 in fines plus court costs.
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