Trucker contests license suspension in fatal crash

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A Maine tractor-trailer truck driver who was involved in a crash that took the life of a 12-year-old Westport, Conn., girl is contesting his three-year license suspension stemming from last year's wreck in Farmington.

Charles Willey of Dexter plans to challenge the suspension at a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles administrative hearing Thursday.

Police found excessive speed to be the primary cause of the August 2011 crash between Willey's tractor-trailer and a van that was carrying young campers. The crash killed 12-year-old Tess Meisel of Westport, Conn.

The district attorney's office determined there was not enough evidence to bring a vehicular manslaughter charge against Willey, but his license was suspended.

Suzanne Tanner of Westport, Conn., mother of Tess Meisel, plans to observe Thursday's hearing. Tanner says the three-year license suspension is insufficient.