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Driver in Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash on the Rickenbacker Causeway Heading to Prison After Probation Violation

A man who pleaded guilty to killing a cyclist during a 2012 hit-and-run crash on the Rickenbacker Causeway is heading to state prison after violating the terms of his probation.

Michele Traverso, 28, was sentenced to 48 months in prison Monday after he was caught violating probation.

"He wasn't where he was supposed to be. I think it's excessive but I understand the judge's sentiment on this, he gave him a chance and he violated the trust," attorney Ray De la Cabada said.

After getting credit for time served, Traverso will spend 24-26 months behind bars, De la Cabada said.

Traverso was sentenced to 364 days in jail in January 2013 in the February 2012 crash that killed 36-year-old Aaron Cohen. He was also ordered to serve two years of probation.

"I'm very pleased, honestly, as well as the judge I was shocked we had to appear in court again, I was hopeful that the defendant would have learned his lesson the first time," wife Patty Cohen said. "I think it's fair and it's unfortunate we ended up back here."

Some supporters said Traverso didn't deserve the sentence.

"I think that's very unfair, he's been great on probation for a period of two years," friend Franky Faze said. "It's sad what happened but I do know that he's been rehabilitated and it's very wrong to sentence a man who's been rehabilitated and corrected his wrongs."

Traverso pleaded guilty last year to charges of leaving the scene of an accident involving death, leaving the scene of an accident involving great bodily harm and driving with a suspended license. His attorney said he won't appeal the latest sentence.

"I just told him I hope that he learns from this," De la Cabada said. "There's rules you gotta follow and he didn't follow them."

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