The motorist who allegedly struck and killed a pedestrian in Pocatello over two years ago will plead guilty to felony vehicular manslaughter in return for prosecutors recommending she be sentenced to no more than a rehabilitation program, according to the Bannock County Prosecutor’s Office.

Brandi Christensen of Pocatello was initially charged with aggravated driving under the influence and illegal possession of the prescription painkiller hydrocodone after allegedly striking Justin Kynaston, 21, also of Pocatello, on the morning of Sept. 26, 2016, as he was walking home on Garrett Way.

Kynaston remained in critical condition until his death on Dec. 10, 2016. After his death, Christensen was charged with felony vehicular manslaughter.

Christensen initially pleaded not guilty to the aggravated driving under the influence and possession of hydrocodone charges in October 2016 and not guilty to the vehicular manslaughter charge in August 2017.

According to Zachary Parris, Bannock County’s chief deputy prosecutor, a plea deal has been made with Christensen in which she’ll plead guilty to felony vehicular manslaughter in exchange for the other charges against her being dropped.

Additionally, the Bannock County Prosecutor’s Office agreed to recommend a sentencing of no more than what’s called a rider program, where the judge will retain jurisdiction and determine whether to impose a prison term or place Christensen on probation after her completion of the rehabilitation program.

Christensen, who is not currently incarcerated, is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 22 at the Bannock County Courthouse in Pocatello.

The judge at Christensen’s sentencing has the option of throwing out the plea deal and imposing a harsher sentence.

If that happens Christensen will face up to 37 years in prison and up to $35,000 in fines.