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The driver responsible for the St. Patrick’s Day 2023 crash that killed former Summit village trustee Karen Wasko has been sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Judge John “Terry” Gallagher handed down the sentence to Joel Velazco Jr., 23, during a hearing Thursday in Room 110 of the Bridgeview Courthouse.
Wasko’s daughters, Nicole and Kelly, delivered emotional victim impact statements, and letters from her husband, Robert Wasko, a former Summit fire chief, and three friends were read into the court record.
“But I’m glad he didn’t get three (years) because the (sentencing) range is three to 14. Eleven [years] we can live with,” Kelly Wasko, 40, of Willow Springs, said. “I just hope he thinks about what he’s done when he’s behind bars and doesn’t do anything like this again to another family.”
Nicole Wasko, 47, of Plainfield, echoed her sister’s sentiments.
“It will never be enough, but we are thankful he got an 11-year sentence,” she said. “We hope this kind of sentencing will stop people from making these kinds of terrible decisions.”
Velazco, of Oak Lawn, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol.
Prosecutors said he had been drinking for three hours at the Mars Bar in Summit before driving south on Harlem Avenue at high speed. His car crossed the center median in the 6400 block and struck the Waskos’ vehicle head-on.
Karen Wasko, 72, was pronounced dead at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. Her husband suffered multiple injuries and spent eight months recovering before returning home.
Velazco’s blood alcohol content at the time was 0.158, nearly twice the legal limit, according to the assistant state’s attorney. He was also cited for improper lane usage, driving in the wrong lane, and failure to reduce speed.
In court, Velazco apologized repeatedly.
“I’m deeply sorry for what happened,” he said. “I accept responsibility. This is not who I am. It’s a mistake. Losing a loved one is the hardest thing in life.”
His attorney said Velazco has joined Alcoholics Anonymous and is undergoing counseling. Gallagher noted Velazco will receive credit for the 596 days he has already served in Cook County Jail and will face two years of supervision upon his release.
The Waskos, married for 52 years, were returning home from dinner at Mama Luigi’s restaurant in Bridgeview when the crash occurred.
Karen, a trustee since 2014, had been seeking re-election on April 3, 2023. Previously, she served on the Argo Community High School Board and worked in its human resources office for 12 years.
“She was proud of the town and what we were accomplishing,” said Summit Mayor Sergio Rodriguez in a letter read during the hearing.
Contacted later, Rodriguez described the crash as “senseless” and called Karen “a dedicated public servant.”
“She was outspoken. She definitely didn’t shy away from defending the village or the board’s actions,” the mayor said. “We miss her on the board.”
