For Immediate Release

Aug. 16, 2018

Joseph Lasala, 32, has been sentenced to up to 7 years in a Missouri prison after he pleaded guilty to the Class B felony of Involuntary Manslaughter 1st Degree for being under the influence of a controlled substance when he fatally struck bicyclist Anthony Saluto with his vehicle in 2016, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced today.

Lasala was sentenced pursuant to Missouri statute 559.115 that allows for release if he successfully completes 120 days in prison. He will then be on probation for 5 years. If he fails probation, he faces completion of the 7-year sentence. Lasala was taken into custody at the end of this morning's sentencing hearing.

Lasala's attorney told the judge this morning that his client has continually expressed sorrow for the victim's family. Members of the Saluto family and his friends, as well as a representative of Bike Walk KC, detailed the loving nature of the victim and their great loss. Some asked the judge to consider imposing a harsher sentence. The judge noted that no matter the sentence, it will not change what happened on April 3, 2016. He implored the defendant to take to heart what he had heard from the victim's family.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Dan Portnoy prosecuted the case on behalf of the state of Missouri.

For more information, contact:

Michael Mansur

Director of Communication

Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office

Jean Peters Baker, Prosecutor

Work   : (816) 881-3812

Mobile: (816) 674-3954

mmansur@jacksongov.org

http://jacksoncountyprosecutor.com

*Charges are only accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the defendant is either found guilty or has pleaded.