FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – A man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter after crashing into a group of cyclists in Flagstaff, killing a woman, was sentenced to prison Tuesday.

Investigators say tow truck driver Norman Cloutier ran a red light and was legally crossing the intersection of Beaver Street and Butler Avenue in Flagstaff on May 28, 2021. He collided with a group of cyclists.

Joanna Wheaton, 29, died and three people were sent to the hospital, including Flagstaff icon Dapper Dre, who lost a leg in the crash.

Cloutier was sentenced to six years in prison for the accident and 17 years for sexual exploitation of a minor after photographs of child sexual abuse were discovered on Cloutier's cell phone during the investigation of the bicycle accident. was sentenced.

His sentences will run concurrently.

RELATED: 'I had a second chance': Flagstaff bicycle accident survivor speaks out after losing leg

Mr. Cloutier took a plea deal in late 2023. He was charged with two counts of negligent homicide in connection with a motorcycle accident and sexual exploitation of a minor after investigators announced that they found photos of child abuse on his cell phone during the investigation. He pleaded guilty to five charges in separate incidents. Accident investigation.

Prosecutors told the court at the sentencing hearing that investigators found hundreds of illegal photos on Cloutier's cell phone, but that he was ultimately not charged with all of them under a plea agreement.

At sentencing, one of Cloutier's lawyers said the sun was shining in Cloutier's eyes at the time of the bicycle accident. Cloutier, now 63, addressed the court and talked about his long career as a tow truck driver.

“All I've ever done in my life is help people,” Cloutier repeatedly told the court.

He did not directly apologize or address the victims.

“Do I feel any remorse for the accident? Absolutely,” he said. “Was it something I could have prevented? There's no answer to that.”

Wheaton's loved ones filled the Coconino County Superior Court during the sentencing.

One of Joanna's loved ones told the judge: “I'm doing my best to continue without her.” “And in many ways, it's torture.”

Wheaton's friends and family issued statements and wrote letters. Among them was another cyclist who was seriously injured in the accident.

“Normand, I didn't need your help,” the victim told Cloutier. “I wish I had stopped at the red light for at least 10 seconds.”

Wheaton's family described Joanna as an activist who stood up against injustice and helped those around her, including unsheltered residents. They also pointed out that she does not support the prison system.

“Prison does not change the culture of vehicular violence or sexual violence,” one victim told the court, explaining Joanna's view.

But that's exactly what Cloutier is aiming for. The judge sentenced him to the maximum sentence under Cloutier's plea agreement.

“Mr. Normand, you're going to go to prison, maybe for the rest of your life,” the accident survivor told the court. “But you have no real responsibility for us. You have caused us irreparable damage.”

The accident and its aftermath are still reeling from Flagstaff's cycling community.

“If someone can hit a cyclist and not be punished, that sends a very bad signal,” said Susan Huettle, chair of the City of Flagstaff Bicycle Advisory Committee.

Since the accident, the city has launched a pilot program to improve fenced bike lanes.The city is almost A $10 million grant will be disbursed in December.

“The world would be a better place if she were still here,” her loved ones told the judge.

Cloutier's 17-year prison sentence began Tuesday. He must register as a sex offender upon release from prison.

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