East Tawas man pleads guilty in fatal bicycle crash

An East Tawas man has pleaded guilty to causing a crash that killed a 16-year-old last year, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Wednesday.

Last August, Mark Elliott hit 16-year-old Dohnovan Newcome with his truck while the teen rode his bicycle at the intersection of US-23 and Tawas Beach Road. Newcome died at the hospital.

Wednesday afternoon before Arenac County’s 81st District Court Judge Richard Vollbach Jr., Elliott pleaded guilty as charged to a moving violation causing death, a one-year misdemeanor. 

The Department took over the case after a special prosecuting attorney was requested. Local prosecutors recused themselves due to their familiarity with the defendant. 

“While no court outcome will ever offset the pain inflicted on Dohnovan’s family and friends, Mr. Elliott’s admission of guilt in this tragic case avoids a drawn-out trial,” Nessel said. “It is my hope this plea provides a sense of justice and relief for Dohnovan’s loved ones.”

Elliott’s sentencing is set for Aug. 12 at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Vollbach.