Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
Ryan Swadner
The teenage driver in the October crash that claimed the lives of his three young passengers was bound over for trial after a preliminary hearing Monday.
Ryan M. Swadner, 18, of Cecil, faces multiple counts of vehicular and reckless homicide, along with multiple drug charges.
He is accused of being under the influence of marijuana Oct. 21 when he swerved to avoid another vehicle stopped in his path on state Highway 22 in Belle Plaine and lost control on a gravel shoulder.
The Ford Mustang he was driving crossed into the path of an oncoming sport utility vehicle and was hit broadside, according to the accident report.
Two Shawano Community High School seniors, 17-year-old Cody Borsche and 18-year-old Tyler Welch, were pronounced dead at the scene.
A Bonduel High School sophomore, 15-year-old Paige Brunette, was transported to Shawano Medical Center for medical attention and later died.
Swadner was also hospitalized. The SUV driver sustained injuries that were not life-threatening.
According to the criminal complaint, authorities found nearly 12 grams of marijuana in six plastic baggies in Swadner’s vehicle, along with the pieces of a glass pipe and a digital scale.
According to the complaint, Swadner initially intended to loan his vehicle to Welch in exchange for marijuana on the day of the crash but later agreed to give Welch a ride.
The complaint alleges the vehicle was on its way to the Highway 22/29 Shell Station for “a narcotics transaction,” based on text messages included in the complaint that were exchanged with a “Drug Customer D.”
Swadner told authorities Welch was making the drug transaction and he was giving Welch a ride.
Lab results showing Swadner had marijuana in his system were presented at Monday’s hearing.
Swadner’s attorney, Nila Robinson, has suggested the trace amount of marijuana found in her client’s system indicated it could be the result of second-hand smoke.
After the hearing, Judge William Kussel Jr. ruled their was sufficient probable cause to bind the matter over for trial.
Swadner, who is free on a $10,000 cash bond, is due back in court for arraignment on July 20.
Swadner is charged with three counts of homicide by use of a vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance, and three counts of second-degree reckless homicide.
Each of those charges carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
He is also charged with felony counts of possession with intent to deliver marijuana and maintaining a drug trafficking place in reference to the vehicle being used to traffic marijuana. The charges each carry a maximum 3 1/2 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Swadner is also facing misdemeanor counts of causing injury while under the influence of a controlled substance, and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.