Sentencing set for Mason City man who pleads guilty to serious injury by motor vehicle while intoxicated

MASON CITY — The sentencing date has been set for a Mason City man accused of vehicular homicide after the death of a bicyclist last year.

The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Department says the accident happened at 22375 Thrush Avenue near Plymouth shortly after 11:35 on the night of June 5th last year.  James Powell was traveling southbound on his bike when he was hit by a vehicle driven by 28-year-old Cody Skiye. Powell died from his injuries six days later.

Authorities say Skiye’s blood alcohol content level at the time of the accident was .222, just under three times the legal limit of .08.

Skiye was charged with vehicular homicide by operating while intoxicated, a Class B felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison. As part of a plea change hearing on Monday in Cerro Gordo County District Court, Skiye pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of one count of serious injury by motor vehicle while intoxicated, a Class D felony.

As part of the agreement, prosecutors are recommending a five year prison sentence and submit to a substance abuse evaluation and treatment.

Skiye is scheduled to be sentenced on September 26th.