Elgin hit-and-run driver sent to prison

An Elgin woman with a long history of unlicensed driving has been sent to prison for failing to stop after she struck and killed a motorcyclist.

Michelle E. Higareda, 51, of the 500 block of McClure Street, was sentenced Wednesday by Circuit Judge Susan Clancy Boles to five years, according to a news release from the Kane County state’s attorney’s office. On June 1, Higareda pleaded guilty to one count of failure to report an accident involving death and one count of aggravated DUI

On Aug. 17, 2011, Higareda was driving her late model GMC Suburban south on Moseley Street when she attempted to make a left turn onto westbound Walnut Street. She struck a motorcycle driven by 25-year-old Francisco Acevedo of Elgin, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses said that after striking Acevedo, Higareda briefly hesitated at the intersection and then drove away. Higareda was found by police about an hour later at her boyfriend’s home.

At Wednesday’s sentencing hearing, prosecutors noted that Higareda has been cited nine times since 1994 for driving with a suspended license.

Higareda is eligible for day-for-day sentencing. She was given credit for time served in the Kane County jail. She had been free on $2,500 bond.

“I hope this sentence provides a sense of peace and justice for Francisco’s family as they continue to mourn his death,” State’s Attorney Joe McMahon said. “And I hope Ms. Higareda understands that her conduct has shown gross disregard for the rule of law, court orders, and the people of the state of Illinois.”