Rockford man found guilty in 2022 death of cyclist

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – A 54-year-old Rockford man convicted of hitting a bicyclist while driving under the influence is facing several years in prison.

Todd Norton was found guilty Nov. 7 of four counts of aggravated driving under the influence causing death and one count of reckless homicide.

On November 30, 2022, Norton was involved in an accident in the 800 block of Brooke Road. Prosecutors say Norton was driving too fast under the influence of drugs when he hit Bernard Sawtelle with his truck. Sawtelle, who was riding a bicycle at the time, died from his injuries at a local hospital.

In March 2023, Norton was charged with Sawtelle's murder, but was found not guilty of that charge at trial.

Norton returns to court on January 28 for his sentencing. Aggravated driving under the influence resulting in death is punishable by the Illinois Department of Corrections with a sentence of three to 14 years in prison. Reckless killing is punishable by a prison sentence of two to five years.

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