Guilty pleas entered in case related to fatal motorcycle crash

Two of the defendants charged in relation to a fatal motorcycle crash have each pleaded guilty to obstructing an officer and were sentenced to jail.

Ashley R. Walton, 28, and Bailey A. Basham, 32, both of Rice Lake, were each charged with the misdemeanor on Jan. 30 in Barron County Circuit Court. Judge James Babler sentenced Walton to 30 days in jail, with Huber, plus court costs on Thursday and then handed down the same sentence to Basham on Friday.

According to police, Tyler J. Baker, 32, of Rice Lake, allegedly fled the scene of a motorcycle crash that killed a 37-year-old man on Aug. 19.

Police say Baker was operating a motorcycle that collided with the motorcycle of Charles Kee on Highway M east of Rice Lake. Kee, of Rice Lake, was flown from the scene for medical treatment but died at the hospital.

Baker was charged on Jan. 30 in Barron County Circuit Court with felony hit-and-run involving death and misdemeanor obstructing an officer. If convicted of hit-and-run, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of a $100,000 fine and 25 years in prison. His arraignment is slated for Aug. 16

Also charged with the following were:

• Brett A. Hrdlicka, 31, Rice Lake, two misdemeanors of obstructing an officer and operating while revoked; four felonies of bail jumping. His arraignment is slated for Wednesday.

• Dustin M. Puig, 32, Cumberland, a misdemeanor of obstructing an officer and three of bail jumping. A trial by jury is set for Sept. 10.