Texting lands teen on probation; violation sends her to jail

APRIL 19, 2012 - Rachel N. Gannon is charged with manslaugter after crashing into a car in September 2011while allegedly texting and driving. (Photo provided by Platte County Prosecutor's Office)
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Posted: 09/27/2012

By: Sam Hartle

PLATTE CITY, Mo. - A metro teen who admitted to causing a deadly crash while texting and driving in Platte County will serve jail time after all.

Rachel Gannon pleaded guilty in May to texting and running her car off the road, hitting another car driven by Loretta Larimer.

Larimer had pulled off to the side of the road when she saw Gannon swerving, but was still hit by Gannon and later died from her injuries.

Gannon initially escaped having to serve any time in jail, thanks to a lenient judge and a family of the victim that showed mercy.

Earlier this month however, Gannon violated the terms of her probation and was arrested on an outstanding warrant on Sept. 18. She returned to a Platte County courtroom on Thursday where she learned she would serve a year in the Platte County Jail.