South Central Judicial District Judge Bobbi Weiler, left, and Ian Cramer appear over a Zoom call during a plea hearing on Sept. 20, 2024. (Photo by Tanner Ecker, Bismarck Tribune via the North Dakota Monitor)
(North Dakota Monitor) -Ian Cramer, the son of U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, pleaded guilty Friday to nine charges related to a high-speed police chase that led to the death of a Mercer County sheriff’s deputy in December.
Cramer was charged with homicide while fleeing a peace officer, preventing arrest and reckless endangerment — all felonies — as well as misdemeanor drug possession charges. He pleaded guilty to all charges.
Cramer in court acknowledged he caused the death of Deputy Paul Martin while fleeing from police in Mercer County last December.
Mercer County Deputy Paul Martin was killed Dec. 6, 2023, when a speeding vehicle crashed into his patrol vehicle. (Photo courtesy of Mercer County Sheriff’s Department via the North Dakota Monitor)
Prior to his guilty plea, Cramer was scheduled to go to trial next week in Mercer County.
Sen. Cramer, R-N.D., has said previously that his son suffers from mental illnesses that cause him to experience paranoia, hallucinations and other symptoms.
The Dec. 6 police chase started when Sen. Cramer’s wife, Kris, attempted to bring their son to the hospital for mental health care.
After his mother got out of the car, Ian Cramer took the vehicle and drove away, Sen. Cramer said in a December statement.
Court records state Ian Cramer reached speeds of over 100 mph while on the run from police.
Deputy Martin was attempting to deploy a tire-deflation device to stop Cramer when Cramer’s vehicle struck Martin’s unoccupied patrol vehicle, according to court filings. The patrol vehicle hit Martin as he was standing outside the car.
Martin was driven to Lake Sakakawea Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
South Central Judicial District Judge Bobbi Weiler during the hearing said the homicide charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $20,000 in fines and $1,000 in court fees.
Cramer has been held in the McLean County Jail.
Mercer County State’s Attorney Todd Schwarz requested a pre-sentence investigation. He did not indicate a recommended sentence during the hearing.
Weiler said she will also order a mental health and substance abuse evaluation of Cramer.
Cramer’s sentencing will be held in person in Mercer County, Weiler said. A date has not been set.
Sen. Cramer did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.
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