Homicide charge dropped in 2006 Wis. bus crash

FRIENDSHIP, Wis. — An Adams County judge has dismissed a homicide charge against a 50-year-old whose semitrailer hit a school bus in 2006, killing a 14-year-old boy.

Barry T. Jacobson of Mineral Point pleaded no contest in 2008 to eight charges: homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle and seven misdemeanor counts of reckless driving causing bodily harm.

He was sentenced to three years’ probation for the misdemeanors. A judge told Jacobson he wouldn’t be convicted on the felony charge if he successfully completed probation.

A Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune report says Jacobson complied, so the homicide charge was dropped Wednesday.

The boy’s mother says she forgives Jacobson but she’s disappointed he didn’t contribute to a memorial fund as promised. Jacobson’s attorney says his client will contribute each month for the next 36 months.