Friend Who Lets Friend Drive Drunk Charged

S A L E M, N.J. -- A man who picked up his drunken friend at the police station and allegedly let him get behind the wheel was charged with manslaughter Wednesday after the friend got into a deadly wreck.

Kenneth W. Powell, 39, was jailed on $50,000 bail.

Powell’s friend, Michael Pangle, plowed into a car July 22,killing himself and Ensign John Elliott, 22, a recent graduate ofthe U.S. Naval Academy. A friend in Elliott’s car was severelyinjured.

Powell was charged with manslaughter, vehicular homicide andaggravated assault by auto.

Authorities said Pangle, 37, had been charged with driving underthe influence less than three hours before the accident. Pangle’sblood-alcohol level was twice the legal limit when he was arrestedby state police. He was released into Powell’s custody.

Authorities said Powell returned Pangle to his truck, and Panglegot behind the wheel.

Powell is “very sad about what took place, but they have blamedthe wrong person,” said Powell’s lawyer, Thomas DeMarco. “I don’tthink he committed homicide. I don’t think he caused the death. Itdid not come from his hand.”

The lawyer added: “Picture the cruelty of the justice systemthat actually punishes somebody for trying to help a friend.”