Probation officer pleads out in Salinas fatal DUI hit-and-run

A Monterey County Probation officer who hit a man with her car, killing him last year, faces up to one year in jail and three years felony probation after pleading no contest to associated charges.

Sonia Cano, 36, pleaded no contest Wednesday to felony hit-and-run resulting in death and misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol, according to the Monterey County District Attorney's Office. She previously pleaded not guilty to associated charges.

The plea deal means she faces a maximum sentence of one year in custody and three years probation, though prosecutors said the exact terms will be determined at her sentencing March 7.

On Dec. 10, Cano and several friends visited multiple restaurants in Salinas with the last one located on North Main Street. Around 7 p.m., Cano left the restaurant and drove away with her friends.

As she headed south on North Main Street, she struck Alan Ellis, 52, as he crossed North Main Street near Rochex Drive. Ellis died from his injuries.

Cano then fled the scene without providing aid to Ellis, according to the DA's Office.

About three hours later, Cano called the Salinas Police Department to turn herself in. Salinas police responded to her home, and upon contacting her, observed signs of alcohol intoxication, the DA's Office detailed.

She was booked into Monterey County Jail and posted a $300,000 bail on Dec. 12, according to Monterey County Superior Court records.

Prosecutor Scott Lynch said the case wasn't affected by Cano's employer, Monterey County Probation. Instead, it was based on the charges and circumstances, including Ellis' jaywalking on a busy road where several other drivers narrowly avoided him, he said. Her lack of criminal history also played a role in the plea deal, he said.

Cano was placed on unpaid, administrative leave pending the criminal investigation, Monterey County Chief Probation Officer Marcia Parsons said. She remains on unpaid leave as the agency's internal investigation continues, Parsons said.

The agency has up to a year to finish its investigation, but in light of Cano's plea Parsons said it likely will wrap up sooner than that.

Cano also had an expired license, according to prosecutors. But the state doesn't report those low-level infractions to agencies, only criminal matters, Parsons said.

Nonetheless, probation now requires its officers to annually submit copies of their valid licenses, Parsons said.

The charge will be dismissed at Cano's sentencing, and she will not be allowed to have a firearm as a felon, Lynch said. A county outside Monterey will compile her probation report, he said.

CORRECTION: An earlier online version of this article incorrectly described Cano's plea based on a press statement provided by the Monterey County District Attorney's Office.

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