White River Junction
Jeffrey Morin Sr., 53, appeared in Windsor County Superior Court for a change of plea hearing on Tuesday and was fined $400 plus surcharges for the offense.
Morin faced several charges stemming from events on Jan. 18, when he allegedly drove under the influence and crashed into the side of Brenda Pellerin’s house off Route 12 in Ascutney, according to a police affidavit.
During the hearing on Tuesday, Assistant Windsor County Attorney Glenn Barnes said Morin “maintains his innocence.”
“However, I also think he recognizes the strength of the state’s case. … and as such, is willing to accept responsibility,” Barnes said.
Morin, who has since retired from the Claremont Fire Department, declined to comment on the case as he left the White River Junction courthouse.
As part of a plea agreement, the state dismissed the three other charges Morin faced, which included a count of DUI — drug or both, reckless or gross negligent operation of a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of a crash.
Morin failed a sobriety test and had a blood alcohol content level that exceeded the legal limit, according to the affidavit.