A Lake Charles man was sentenced to 15 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to four counts of fourth-offense DWI on Tuesday.

Judge Kent Savoie sentenced Zachery Kane Vezina, 35, to 15 years on each count, to run concurrently, with credit for time served. Savoie also ordered Vezina to complete a treatment program, although that may not happen until after he is discharged.

Vezina was arrested for fourth-offense DWI on Oct. 11, 2008, when state police pulled him over for improper passing, prosecutor Lester Robinson said. Vezina refused to take a breathalyzer test, he said. Vezina had previously been convicted of DWI on March 25, 2003, and on two DWI charges on July 1, 2008, Robinson said.

State police stopped Vezina for a traffic violation again on Sept. 6, 2009, and arrested him for DWI, the prosecutor said. Vezina again refused to take a breathalyzer test, Robinson said.

When Vezina was stopped on Lake Street on March 25, 2011, he provided a breath sample, which was above the legal limit, the prosecutor said.

On Oct. 26, 2013, Calcasieu Parish sheriff’s deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash on the corner of Dobertine and Leger roads, Robinson said. Vezina, who was arrested when he tried to leave the scene, refused to give a breath sample, Robinson said.

Vezina asked to read a letter in court, but Savoie did not allow him to do so. Savoie told Vezina he had tried to get him help, “but I became frustrated with you over the years.”

“You sunk to the depths,” Savoie said. “And the only way for you is up.”

(mgnonline.com)

Zachery Kane Vezina