Driver who killed postal worker faces year in jail

A driver who struck the rear end of a U.S. Postal Service van in Boyle Heights, severing the legs of a postal worker who later died of his injuries, was sentenced to nearly a year in jail after pleading no contest to vehicular manslaughter, officials with the Los Angeles city attorney's office said.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Randolph Hammock sentenced Felipe Soto, 59, to six months in jail on the manslaughter charge and an additional six months for a misdemeanor count of driving on a suspended license. Soto was credited for 37 days he has already served in custody.

A restitution hearing is set for June 27.

Earl Anthony Dunn, 32, was killed after being pinned between his mail van, parked in the 1100 block of Prado Street, and the car driven by Soto. Police determined Soto was operating his car with a revoked license and had fallen asleep.

Soto was not taken into custody immediately following the crash, which was investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.

The case initially was reviewed by the Los Angeles County district attorney's office, which determined that Soto was not speeding or driving under the influence.

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-- Andrew Blankstein (Twitter.com/anblanx)