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Prison Sentence for Hit-and-Run Driver

WILKES-BARRE — Karen McCann entered Penn Place in Wilkes-Barre a free woman, but left in handcuffs. A Luzerne County judge sentenced her to four years in ...

WILKES-BARRE -- Karen McCann entered Penn Place in Wilkes-Barre a free woman, but left in handcuffs. A Luzerne County judge sentenced her to four years in state prison.

Mccann admits she drove while high on cocaine and prescription pills last summer and hit Aloysius McLaughlin. McLaughlin was doing yard work in Kingston and died shortly after he was hit. McCann didn't stop, but was pulled over by police a short time later.

Friends and family members of McLaughlin came from all over the east coast to watch the sentencing.

"We all have great memories. That`s something that will never be taken away from us, but he should have been given the chance to make memories with his grandchildren? That breaks my heart," said Marianne McLaughlin Gallagher.

Erin Gallagher was another one of the more than 70 friends and family members who packed the courtroom.

"That is an amazing gift to have to have laid memories on so many people. He was so loving and caring," said Gallagher.

Before she was sentenced, McCann spoke to the family and apologized for her actions, and told them she doesn't remember hitting McLaughlin. In court, the judge read off McCcan's past record of substance abuse, dating back 20 years.

McLaughin's daughter Tammy Sapack said she was happy with the four year sentence. Sapack had a message for the families of other hit and run victims in the area.

"I wanted to give my condolences to the other families that have went through this tragedy and I want them to know that I am praying for them," said Sapack. 

McCann was taken into custody to begin her four year sentence at a state prison near Harrisburg.

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