CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — A man accused of causing a crash that killed his best friend said in court Monday that prosecutors are punishing him for not accepting their plea deal.
Mario Miller and his attorney said Clayton County Solicitor General Tasha Mosley is being vindictive.
Mosley recently upgraded Miller's misdemeanor second degree vehicular homicide charge to first degree felony vehicular homicide.
Mosley originally offered Miller probation, a fine and community service. Miller now faces 16 years in prison.
Last May, police said Miller and his friend, Stanley Hill, were riding on separate motorcycles on Interstate 285 near Conley Road.
Officers said Miller hit a car, causing that car to lose control and hit and kill Hill.
"I have headaches day in and day out about this situation," Miller told Channel 2's Tom Jones.
Miller's attorney, Jackie Patterson, said Mosely upgraded the charge after Miller insisted on a speedy trial and refused to accept a plea deal she offered.
"I was stunned and devastated that a prosecutor would abuse her power simply because a man says I'm innocent and I want a trial," said Patterson.
Mosley told Jones by phone she is not retaliating against Miller. She said she put Patterson on notice the case was a felony and would be sent to the DA's office.
Mosely also said witnesses said Miller was speeding and weaving in and out of traffic.
Miller still insists he had nothing to do with his friend's death.
"I know he's in heaven. I know he's appalled about what has occurred. Because he knows it's an accident," said Miller.