APPLING COUNTY, GA — Laken Michelle Deloach was sentenced Monday morning in Superior Court following a guilty plea in a deadly crash that killed one man and seriously injured three others.
Deloach’s court appearance was originally scheduled to address pretrial motions, but she instead pleaded guilty to Homicide by Vehicle in the 1st degree, stemming from a March 31, 2024 crash on Ten Mile Highway.
The crash occurred when Deloach, driving a 2020 Dodge Durango with five passengers, lost control on a curve, left the road, struck a tree, overturned, and landed in a ditch. Authorities later revealed she was driving 95 mph in a 55 mph zone and had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.128.
De’angelo Marquis Adams, 25, died in the crash. Three others sustained serious injuries, including two victims who were left with non-functioning legs and another who suffered disfigurement. Deloach and others were airlifted from the scene.
She was arrested weeks later on multiple charges, including vehicular homicide, serious injury by vehicle, DUI, reckless driving, speeding, and failure to maintain lane. Released on $40,000 bond, Deloach was restricted from driving, contacting victims or witnesses, and consuming alcohol or drugs.
In February 2025, a grand jury indicted her on 16 charges, 12 of which were felonies. Deloach initially pleaded not guilty, and her attorney filed several motions, including one for a change of venue, citing concerns over local media coverage.
The case drew heightened attention due to Deloach’s background in law enforcement in Bulloch County and her family’s political ties. She is the granddaughter of former Appling County Sheriff Benny Deloach and daughter of Linton Deloach, who was running for sheriff at the time of the crash.
During Monday’s hearing, Judge Stephen Kelley rejected the defense’s request for First Offender sentencing, which would have allowed Deloach to avoid a permanent criminal record upon successful completion of probation.
Along with her sentence, Deloach must:
Serve a prison term (exact length not specified in the report)
Complete 100 hours of community service
Undergo mental health and substance abuse evaluations within 90 days of release
Complete a Defensive Driving Risk Reduction Program within six months of release
Adhere to a curfew, abstain from drugs and alcohol, and comply with a 4th Amendment waiver
Avoid contact with the victims unless they submit a notarized release
Deloach was taken into custody immediately after court and was held at the Appling County Jail as of Monday evening.
