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In a courtroom filled with palpable emotion, a former Polk County Deputy received a sentence of over 30 years in prison for causing a deadly DUI crash and subsequently fleeing the country. The poignant proceedings took place in Tampa, Florida, on Monday, where both the victims’ families and the relatives of Joshua Roelofs shared their heartfelt statements.
Roelofs, whose actions in April 2022 led to the loss of two lives, will now face a significant portion of his life behind bars. The gravity of his actions was underscored by the somber reflections from those who have been deeply affected by the tragedy.
“Today, almost four years after this tragedy occurred, these families have gotten justice. And they waited four long years because this defendant was set to go to trial last year and instead, he ran from the law,” remarked Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez, highlighting the long-awaited justice that has now been served.
The crash occurred along the scenic stretch of the Courtney Campbell Causeway, marking a day that would forever change the lives of many. As the legal chapter closes with Roelofs’ sentencing, the emotional scars left behind continue to linger among those who lost loved ones in the tragic event.
The fatal crash happened along the Courtney Campbell Causeway in April of 2022.
That crash claimed the lives of two people and injured two others.
Family members from both of the men killed, Ricky Gongora and Kris Koroly, either spoke or sent in victim impact statements.
“It was my worst nightmare unfolding in front of me. It was as if the ground had disappeared from beneath my feet and my legs couldn’t bear the weight. I collapsed to the ground and was gasping for air,” said Monica Negrete, Gongora’s sister.
The loved ones of the victims asked for the maximum sentence of life in prison, while Roelofs himself and his family members asked the judge to consider how this decision will impact more than just the former deputy.
“Our daughters adore their father; he is their role model, their protector, and the person they run to if they need comfort or guidance. Since he has been away, our home has felt incomplete,” said Roelofs’ wife.
“This defendant did not deserve mercy, he abandoned not only his wife, but his three children and the rest of his family, the people who had stood by him while this case was pending. He looked at the judicial system and said: forget you, and went off to Columbia,” Lopez said.
After Roelofs finishes his sentence, he will have 5 years’ probation and other things like community service and fines to pay.