http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20090626/APC0101/90626137/1004&located=RSSGreen Bay man sentenced to 11 years for fatal hit and run By Keegan Kyle • Gannett Wisconsin Media • June 26, 2009

Read Comments(10)RecommendPrint this page E-mail this article Share Del.icio.us Facebook Digg Reddit Newsvine Buzz up!Twitter GREEN BAY — A Green Bay man accused of killing a motorcyclist in a crash and permanently disabling the biker’s passenger last year was sentenced Friday to 11 years in prison.

Rene Pacheco-Arcos, 25, faced up to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to two hit and run charges in April. Brown County Circuit Court Judge Sue Bischel said testimony on his character and his own remorse helped persuade her to give a lesser sentence.

“I don’t believe when I look at all the factors that I can impose maximum sentences,” she said. “I think he’s genuinely remorseful. Since he was taken into custody, he has attempted to be cooperative and (repentant).”

Bischel appeared to struggle with her decision, grimacing and pausing several times to collect her thoughts before announcing the sentence. She said it needed to reflect Pacheco-Arcos’ remorse but also provide deterrence for other drivers.

Pacheco-Arcos was accused of hitting the motorcycle of Michael Rivas, 47, nearly a year ago on the city’s east side, and fleeing the scene. Pacheco-Arcos was driving a Chevrolet Suburban when he hit Rivas’ cycle and had a blood alcohol level of 0.124 percent.

Rivas died of his injuries, and his passenger, Jennifer Baker, 40, sustained permanent brain injuries.

Pacheco-Arcos apologized to the court at a plea hearing and again at his sentencing hearing.

“I ask for forgiveness in this terrible tragedy,” he said with the help of an interpreter.

A plea deal between Pacheco-Arcos and the prosecution in April dismissed two other felony charges against him — homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle and injury by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle. The prosecution also agreed to not recommend a prison term at his sentencing hearing.

An attorney for Pacheco-Arcos recommended five years of confinement and 12 years of extended supervision. Bischel ordered 11 years of confinement and five years of extended supervision.