A judge in Florida’s 10th Judicial Circuit sentenced Lake Placid resident Thomas Joseph Raulerson, 44, to 14 years in Florida State Prison for his role in a fatal DUI crash that killed a 16-year-old girl.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Raulerson’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was more than five times the legal limit—at the time of the accident.
The incident occurred on May 22, 2025, shortly after 4 p.m. Raulerson was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of US Highway 98 in a construction zone. Troopers reported that two vehicles were traveling southbound at the same time. The lead vehicle spotted Raulerson driving the wrong way, hit the brakes, steered right, veered off the roadway, and struck a construction barrel. Raulerson, driving a 2022 Ford F-350, then collided head-on with the teen’s vehicle. The 16-year-old driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Sentencing details:
- 14 years in Florida State Prison for DUI manslaughter
- 2 years of probation for DUI property damage
- $2,492.00 as restitution
- Lifetime revocation of driver’s license
- Mandatory DUI clauses
Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL
