Claudio Manuel Perez, the man responsible for a 2024 crash that killed local radio broadcaster Johnathan Vreeland, was sentenced Monday, June 9, 2025, to 15 years, with 10 years to serve in custody and five on probation, following a plea agreement finalized at the Bulloch County Judicial Annex.
The sentencing stems from a violent two-vehicle collision that occurred shortly before 11 p.m. on August 23, 2024, along Highway 301 South near Oakwood Drive. According to Georgia State Patrol, Perez, 31, was driving a silver Ford pickup truck with its headlights off when he pulled out from Olliff Road and entered the northbound lane. A Ford Escape carrying Vreeland struck the pickup, causing a nearly 100-yard debris field across the highway.
Vreeland, 24, a native of Hinesville and newly hired full-time broadcaster with Foundry Broadcasting, had just wrapped up live coverage of the Bulloch Academy–Claxton High School football game on WMCD “106.5 The Boro.” He was a passenger in the Escape and was taken to East Georgia Regional Medical Center, where he died from his injuries. The driver of the Escape was also hospitalized but survived.
Perez was originally charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors related to the crash. As part of the plea agreement, some charges were merged. His final sentencing included the following:
- Count 1: Homicide by Vehicle in the First Degree (Felony) – 10 years to serve, 5 probated
- Count 2: Homicide by Vehicle in the First Degree (Felony) – Merged with Count 1
- Count 3: Serious Injury by Vehicle (Felony) – 10 years to serve concurrent
- Count 4: Serious Injury by Vehicle (Felony) – Merged with Count 3
- Count 5: Reckless Driving (Misdemeanor) – 12 months to serve concurrent
- Count 6: Reckless Driving (Misdemeanor) – 12 months to serve concurrent
- Count 7: Improper Use of Center Lane (Misdemeanor) – 12 months to serve concurrent
- Count 8: Failure to Yield Right of Way (Misdemeanor) – 12 months to serve concurrent
- Count 9: Driving Without Headlights (Misdemeanor) – 12 months to serve concurrent
- Count 10: Driving Without a License (Misdemeanor) – 12 months to serve concurrent
- Count 11: DUI (Less Safe – Alcohol) (Misdemeanor) – 12 months to serve concurrent
- Count 12: Failure to Wear Safety Belt (Misdemeanor) – Nolle Prosequi (not prosecuted)
The resulting sentence totals 15 years, with 10 years to be served in custody and five years on probation. Court officials confirmed that Vreeland’s family worked closely with the Assistant District Attorney throughout the case and supported the terms of the negotiated plea.
Vreeland’s death struck a deep chord in the local community. Though he had only recently joined Foundry Broadcasting in a full-time capacity, his voice had become familiar to many through his passionate coverage of high school sports. His loss was mourned by colleagues, listeners, and athletic programs across the region.
The crash prompted a major emergency response from Georgia State Patrol, Bulloch County EMS, Bulloch County Fire, and the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office. Highway 301 remained closed for approximately four hours while the scene was cleared and investigated.
Though the legal proceedings have concluded, Vreeland’s memory continues to resonate in the communities he served and the lives he touched.
Grice Connect extends its continued condolences to the Vreeland family and the Foundry Broadcasting team.