Mason City man sentenced to five years in prison for role in fatal accident

MASON CITY — It’s up to five years in prison for a Mason City man accused of vehicular homicide after the death of a bicyclist last year.

28-year-old Cody Skiye was charged after an accident at 22375 Thrush Avenue near Plymouth shortly after 11:35 on the night of June 5th of last year. James Powell was traveling southbound on his bike when he was hit by a vehicle driven by Skiye. Powell died from his injuries six days later.

Authorities said Skiye’s blood alcohol content level at the time of the accident was .222, just under three times the legal limit of .08.

Skiye was charged with vehicular homicide by operating while intoxicated, a Class B felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison. As part of a plea agreement with prosecutors, Skiye entered an Alford plea to the lesser charge of one count of serious injury by motor vehicle while intoxicated, a Class D felony. With an Alford plea, a person does not admit guilt but acknowledges there is enough evidence for a likely conviction.

Judge Karen Salic on Monday sentenced Skiye up to five years in prison as well as a $1025 fine.