Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 49-year-old Allen Stirling of Lancaster has been arraigned before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan on an indictment charging him with one count of Criminally Negligent Homicide, a Class “E” felony, and two counts of Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree, Class “A” misdemeanors.

It is alleged that on May 13, 2019, at approximately 9:57 p.m., the defendant was driving on William Street in the Town of Lancaster when he lost control of his SUV near Bowen Road. His passenger, 41-year-old Jodie Anstett of Akron, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.

The defendant is also accused of sending harassing messages to the family of the deceased.

Stirling is scheduled to return on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. for motions. He remains released on $25,000 bond previously posted in Lancaster Town Court.

If convicted on all charges, Stirling faces a maximum of 4 years in prison.

DA Flynn commends the Lancaster Police Department for their work in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Paul Glascott of the DA’s Vehicular Crimes Bureau.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.