An Egg Harbor Township man charged with vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a fatal accident and third-degree endangering an injured victim, entered a not guilty plea this morning at his arraignment, Atlantic County Prosecutor Ted Housel stated.
It is alleged that on Sept. 9, 2010, William Michael Simkins, 31, struck and killed Jacob Broschard, 16, of Egg Harbor Township, while the teen was riding his bicycle with two other teens from Royal Avenue in Egg Harbor Township onto Jerome Avenue. It is further alleged that Simkins struck Broschard on Jerome Avenue then continued on Robert Best Road without stopping to check on the victim or render aid, according to Assistant Prosecutor Diane Ruberton, who is representing the state.
Egg Harbor Township police arrested Simkins at the police station two hours after the incident and charged him with motor vehicle violations including reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident and failing to report an accident. An Atlantic County Grand Jury indicted Simkins on Feb. 1 and he was taken into custody, Assistant Prosecutor Ruberton said.
Several of the victim’s family members were in attendance for the brief proceeding in Superior Court Judge Michael A. Donio’s courtroom. Simkins is scheduled to be back in court for a status conference on March 28.
A second-degree crime carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to $150,000. A third-degree crime carries a maximum of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
