COLUMBUS (AP) — A Powell man imprisoned for a drunken driving death after confessing in a YouTube video is getting out five months early.
Matthew Cordle was sentenced to six years in prison for the death plus six months in jail for drunken driving.
A judge in Columbus on Wednesday granted his request to suspend the rest of his sentence, citing his exemplary prison record and education he pursued to make good on a pledge to become an advocate against driving under the influence.
Cordle’s attorney argued probation allows him to start fulfilling that pledge.
In his video confession , Cordle also promised to take “full responsibility.” The Franklin County prosecutor argued the 28-year-old broke that promise by seeking early release.
The daughter of the man Cordle killed also opposed his release.