Former civilian contractor pleads guilty in death of Keesler airman

A man who was working as a civilian contractor at Keesler Air Force Base pleaded guilty Tuesday to a federal charge of aggravated DUI in the death of an airman.

According to our media partner the Sun Herald, 27-year-old Emmett Jason Bennett crashed into four airmen at Keesler Air Force Base on June 28, 2021.

The airmen were walking on the base when Bennett, driving a Ford F-150, hit a light pole, swung around, and hit the airmen.

When he hit the men, Airman Daniel J. Germenis was dragged about 100 feet, killing him. Bennett was found to have have prescription painkillers, fentanyl and oxycodone in his system, as well as marijuana and an herbal supplement at the time of the crash. He also was speeding.

According to court documents, Bennett got out of his vehicle and started shaking Germenis to try to ‘wake him up.’

In exchange for the guilty plea, prosecutors dropped an additional charge of involuntary manslaughter.

Bennett will remain free on bond pending his sentencing in November, where he could face between 5 and 25 years, restitution and fines up to $10,000.