Michigan man charged with texting/driving in death

LAPEER, Mich. (AP) -- A 41-year-old man is facing a charge of causing death while texting and driving in what the Lapeer County prosecutor's office believes is the first case of its kind in Michigan. Jerry Joseph is accused of causing a crash that killed 78-year-old Irene Paquin of Attica Township on Nov. 30. Authorities say Joseph, of Lapeer, ran a stop sign and broadsided a vehicle driven by Paquin's husband. State police Lt. Patrick McGreevy tells The Flint Journal "texting was a contributing factor to the person failing to stop at the stop sign." Prosecutor Byron Konschuh says Paquin's death was "a complete tragedy" that could have been avoided. The Journal couldn't reach Joseph's attorney, Julie Nash, for comment. The Associated Press left a message for her before business hours on Thursday. Published: Fri, Mar 11, 2011