18 years.
That's the prison sentence handed to Julius Johnson as part of a plea deal for the hit-and-run death of Clearwater crossing guard Doug Carey.
The 70-year-old former Clearwater police officer was killed in 2014 when police say Johnson ran a red light at Gulf to Bay and Belcher Road, hit a car, then struck Carey before taking off. And Johnson left his two daughters in his car. He was caught a short time later and, it turns out, was a convicted felon who had been driving on a suspended license.
During his sentencing, Johnson told Judge William Burgess--he doesn't like being viewed as a bad guy and believes the plea deal is a bit harsh.
"I ain't intentionally do that. I just feel like 18 years is out of my range right now, " he said.
Judge Burgess told Johnson the deal is a "very generous offer."