Forks teen who caused fatal DUI crash slated for January release

Now 18, he admitted to drinking in 2003, then driving.

Daniel Scheetz, who at age 16 crashed a car while driving drunk, killing his friend Sean Cameron, will be released from detention in January.

Northampton County juvenile probation officials said Scheetz, 18, of Susan Circle, Forks Township, has done well during his stay at the Juvenile Detention Center in Easton. He was in court Friday for a review hearing before Judge Stephen G. Baratta.

Scheetz was ordered to the facility for two years beginning Jan. 12, 2004. His release date was not announced, but his attorney, Philip D. Lauer of Easton, said Scheetz should be home in early January.

Scheetz admitted in 2004 he had been drinking July 2, 2003, when he wrecked on Lower Mud Run Road in Lower Mount Bethel Township, crashing into a large tree. He was adjudicated delinquent — the equivalent of being found guilty in adult court — on one count each of homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter and drunken driving, two counts of aggravated assault by vehicle while driving drunk, three counts of accidents involving death or injury while not properly licensed and several summary traffic offenses.

Scheetz and two other teenage passengers, Brian Kavcak and Antonio Cooper, both of Forks Township, were hurt in the accident. Scheetz was the only one who had been drinking.

Robert Cameron, Sean's father, told Scheetz on Friday that he and his wife were ''very happy'' about Scheetz's progress. In a soft voice, Cameron told Scheetz to be careful in selecting friends to ensure he stays out of trouble.

''Thank you for doing good work,'' he said.

Scheetz nodded.

Jennifer Starks, assistant director of treatment at the detention center, said Scheetz is a ''positive role model for other boys'' at the center. He graduated from high school in June and is taking classes at Northampton Community College.

She added that although Scheetz ''believes in the 12-step philosophy'' of Alcoholics Anonymous, he ''believes he can control by himself when he can and cannot drink in the future.''

Starks said that when Scheetz is released, he will be required to attend regular meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous. She did not say that Scheetz has been diagnosed as an alcoholic.

Starks said Scheetz has been a guest speaker for the ''Every 15 Minutes'' program, designed to teach young people the hazards of drinking and driving. In addition he is slated to be keynote speaker Dec. 1 at a drunken driving program at Lehigh University.

Scheetz will be paid a stipend of at least $300 for the Lehigh speech and the proceeds will go to a charity of the Cameron family's choice.

Jerry Glessner, Scheetz's probation officer, said that in preparation of his release, Scheetz will be allowed several home visits, with the first scheduled for Thanksgiving Day.

Scheetz will be placed on ''intensive probation'' when he is released, Glessner said, adding that conditions will include a curfew and visits by juvenile officers at least three times a week. The probation will continue, Glessner said, for as long as deemed necessary or until Scheetz turns 21. A judge will review Scheetz's progress every six months.

Baratta said he had been told Scheetz was doing well in his college classes.

The Morning Call ~ By Tyra Braden