Buffalo Woman Gets Work Release for Killing Motorcyclist in Distracted Driving Crash

A Buffalo, Minnesota woman is sentenced to a month on work release after driving distracted and killing a Moorhead motorcyclist two summers ago.

Family and friends of 48-year-old Angela Pangalinin filled a Moorhead courtroom this morning for her sentencing on misdemeanor charges.

It was an emotional day in court as the crash that cost Michael Panglanin his wife only cost Braith three misdemeanors, thanks to a jury’s acquitting her of felony charges last month.

It’s the latest in a stream of similar fatalities with similarly short jail sentences.

It was a very different Sarah Jo Braith who came to court than in the past years’ worth of hearings.

This one without three felonies hanging over her head.

“I would definitely think distracted driving should be elevated to the felony level. A $50, $500 fine? But I guess it’s all material,” said friend and fellow motorcyclist Mark Gusaas.

Mark, who usually rode here with Angela Pangalinin in his rearview mirror, is one of dozens of Harley riders who came on the family’s behalf.

Her death, and Braith’s sentence, has shaken the tight-knit community.

“As a result of Angie’s death, I have stopped only wearing my black leather and now I wear a high orange Harley vest. I don’t leave the driveway without it,” Mark said.

Court documents say Braith started sending messages early that morning.

When she came upon the Pangalinins here on I-94, she’d already sent more than 200, including one two minutes before she called in the crash.

Pangalinin’s husband spoke in court, begging Braith to use the rest of her life to help bring awareness to distracted driving.

She could start doing so when her sentence is fulfilled as little as 20 days from now, if she chooses.

“Like Mike said, he wishes her well. He hopes she can find a way to have a productive life,” said Mark.

Braith broke her silence in court, expressing sympathy for Pangalinin’s family but breaking down in tears before issuing an apology.

Pangalinin’s family said they forgave Braith, apology or not.