By Erica Thomas, editor
ASHVILLE — Cara Yager, 35, who lives in the Grayson Valley area, filed an appeal in St. Clair County for her conviction and 15-month sentence in a reckless driving and reckless endangerment case.
The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office said she was arrested in July 2018. The charges stem from a traffic accident in May 2018. Investigators said Yager was driving with her daughter in the car when she crashed on Interstate 59 North just before the Springville exit. Both Yager and her daughter were hurt and taken to the hospital.
According to court documents, Yager appeared before Judge Alan C. Furr for a bench trial on March 7. She entered a guilty plea on both charges and was sentenced on March 14. The sentence handed down from Judge Furr was 12 months in the St. Clair County Jail on the reckless endangerment charge and three months in jail on the reckless driving charge. She was also ordered to pay a $500 fine for each charge.
The St. Clair County District Attorney’s Office confirmed Yager filed an appeal from the district court to the circuit court on March 20. Since she filed an appeal, Yager’s sentence will not be imposed until the completion of the appeal. However, she will not be allowed to operate a motor vehicle and she must continue drug testing with Jefferson County.
Yager made headlines in February after being reported missing Feb. 25, 2019. Five agencies assisted in the search near the Cahaba River after her truck was found near Grants Mill Road. She was found safe Feb. 27.
Yager is scheduled to appear in court on May 6, 2019, to enter a plea. Her new trial will be in front of a St. Clair County jury in Ashville and it is scheduled for March 13. However, that date could change.