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In a courtroom in Jonesborough, Tennessee, the man accused of causing a tragic crash that claimed one life and injured three others made his first court appearance this Monday. The incident took place in a parking lot in downtown Johnson City, drawing significant attention to the case.
Steven Kotsonis, 36, stood before the judge during his arraignment, where he, alongside his public defender, proclaimed his innocence by entering a not guilty plea. Despite the defense’s argument against the proposed bail amount, the prosecution firmly advocated for a $5 million bond, citing the gravity of the charges.
Judge Jonathan Minga upheld the state’s stance, setting the bond at $5 million. This decision came after the defense’s request for a reduction was denied, maintaining the initial bond amount as proposed by the prosecution.
The aftermath of the crash has left the community shaken, yet there has been an outpouring of support for the victims, who are currently recovering from injuries sustained during the incident. As the legal proceedings continue, this case remains a focal point for the Johnson City area, drawing attention to issues surrounding DUI-related incidents.
According to a crash report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), Kotsonis was driving a 2021 Ford Explorer when the vehicle struck four pedestrians in the West Main Street parking lot.
According to the THP, Kotsonis “lost control of the vehicle,” hit a curb, drove into the parking lot, hit a light pole and city signage at around 1:29 a.m. Saturday.
The victims were identified as 22-year-old Ethan Saxon, 23-year-old Macy Street, 23-year-old Riley Gowan and 24-year-old Toby “TJ” Cornett. According to the THP, Cornett died from injuries sustained in the crash.
Kotsonis was charged with the following:
- Reckless Endangerment
- Reckless Driving
- Vehicular Assault (3 counts)
- Vehicular Homicide
- Leaving the Scene with Property Damage
- Driving Under the Influence
- Drivers to Exercise Due Care
The THP said charges are pending against a passenger in Kotsonis’s car, as well.
Kotsonis’s next court appearance was set for May 21 at 1:30 p.m.