Family Seeks Justice as Hit-and-Run Convict's Sentence is Drastically Reduced

Family's Devastation Over Reduced Sentence

• 💔 The family of a hit-and-run victim is devastated by the state's decision to release the convicted offender early.
• ⚖️ The offender, who killed Benjamin Montalvo, is set to be released after serving only 2.5 years of a 9-year sentence.
• ⏳ The family feels the explanation for the reduced sentence is incorrect and prioritizes inmate advocacy over victims' rights and justice.

Circumstances of the Crime

• 🚴‍♂️ Benjamin Montalvo was riding his bike near Centennial High School in Corona in July 2020 when he was struck and killed.
• 🚗 The driver, Naomi Lott, fled the scene but eventually turned herself in.
• ⚖️ Lott was convicted of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and felony hit-and-run.

Explanation for Sentence Reduction

• ❓ The family received a letter stating Lott would be eligible for release, having served only 2.5 years of her sentence.
• 🏕️ Officials stated Lott earned most of her time credits by participating in fire camp, a rehabilitative program.
• ⚠️ The family questions how this program participation leads to such a significant reduction, feeling the explanation is insufficient.

Pursuit of Answers and Advocacy

• 📞 After the family's public outcry, the Department of Corrections contacted them, referring them to another department for sentence calculation expertise.
• 🗣️ The family describes this as another dead end with vague information, highlighting a lack of clarity on sentence reduction authorities.
• 🏛️ The family plans to advocate in Sacramento for clearer policies and greater consideration for victims' rights.