Former SAO investigator pleads no contest in deadly hit-and-run

FORT MYERS, Fla.- A former investigator with the State Attorney’s Office pleaded no contest for his role in a deadly hit-and-run.

Charles Lawson is facing charges for leaving the scene of a crash involving death and driving under the influence.

Prosecutors say Lawson hit and killed Michael Sasen on McGregor Boulevard on Christmas Day 2013, then he took off. Lawson did eventually return to the scene of the crash.

In court Friday, a Florida Highway Patrol trooper said Lawson admitted to drinking the night of the crash and smelled strongly of alcohol. The trooper says he also found Sasen’s DNA on the car Lawson was driving.

“I think about the death of Michael Sasen every hour, every minute, of every day. It’s constantly on my mind and it will be until I am dead,” said Lawson.

For the first time, the trooper also mentioned in court that Lawson did not cause the accident, saying Sasen was in the roadway at the time of the crash.

“I accept full responsibility for my actions and I always have,” said Lawson.

Lawson will be sentenced on Monday. He could face up to 30 years in prison.