POLK COUNTY, Fla. -- A former law enforcement officer has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for hitting five children at a Polk County bus stop last year.
- John Camfield sentenced to 35 years
- 5 children hit in Polk County in April 2017
- 13-year-old Jaheim Robertson was killed
One of the children died.
John Camfield, 49 at the time of the April 2017 crash, learned his sentence Thursday after an emotional day in court.
According to law enforcement, Camfield’s blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit when he hit five Dundee Ridge Middle Academy students walking on the shoulder of the road.
Jahiem Robertson, 13, was killed.
Camfield, who is an Auburndale resident, pleaded no contest to DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide.
He served several years for law enforcement agencies in Mississippi.
During the sentencing hearing, Camfield listed a slew of medical issues to the judge. He said the crash wasn't a case of drinking and driving, but a medical issue.
He apologized to Jahiem's family but he never admitted to drinking and driving. He said he had no recollection of the crash.
"I think I would've felt better about him had he said 'look I drank, this happened, I'm sorry.' Hold himself accountable. He didn't do that," said Allan Robertson.
The judge called the case egregious and gave Camfield a 35-year prison sentence, as well as four years of probation. During his probation he will be prohibited from visiting bars and drinking. The judge said he will never be able to have a valid driver's license again.
Camfield's attorney had asked for the minimum of four years. The maximum prison sentence in the case was 39 years, according to the state attorney's office.
Jahiem Robertson's family was pleased with the lengthy prison sentence.
"A sense of relief but it still doesn't bring my son back," said Robin Robertson, Jahiem's mother.
"I'm glad the judge saw it for what it was and he dished out the sentence that he truly deserved," said Allan Robertson, Jahiem's father.