Pledger receives 5.3-year sentence

Tamika Pledger

Tamika Pledger today received a sentence of 5.3 years for involuntary manslaughter, according to the district attorney’s office.

Pledger will receive credit for 20 days already served, according to the district attorney’s office.

In May, Pledger was found guilty by a jury of involuntary manslaughter and three counts of aggravated battery in connection with a vehicle collision on Jan. 30, 2015.

Tierra Smith, a teen, died when Pledger’s car hit a group of teens at 13th and Troup. Some teens had been fighting in the street, with other youth watching.

A community activist, Pledger said her brakes did not work at the time. Pledger was a candidate for the Unified Government Commission at the time of the accident. She had been called by a young relative. Prosecutors alleged she was going too fast for the conditions.