Well-known Omaha Philanthropist Sentenced in Deadly Crash

Leslie "Cookie" Hoberman avoids jail time

By Michelle Molison

CREATED Jan. 24, 2013

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Omaha, NE - A judge sentenced 69-year old Leslie "Cookie" Hoberman today for the crash that killed Jeffrey Ahl last summer.

Hoberman will serve 24 months probation. She pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of vehicular homicide.

In May 2012, Hoberman turned in front of a motorcycle at 157th and Pacific. The motorcyclist, identified as Jeffrey Ahl, died at the hospital.

Hoberman will also have her license revoked for six months.

Ahl's family says while they didn't want Hoberman to get jail time, they are disappointed her license wasn't revoked forever.

"I know she didn't set out to kill my son, it was an accident but it was irresponsible to drive. She is legally blind. She should never have been driving," said Jeffrey's mother Sandy Ahl.

Hoberman has macular degeneration and wears prescription eye glasses. Her license was renewed by the DMV two weeks before the deadly crash.

Ahl's family says he was more than just a motorcyclist. He was a great husband and father as well as a big advocate for the elderly.

"He was always there for everybody, he had friends all over the state. He was a man of faith, he walked and talked his faith," said Sandy Ahl.

Ahl's widow, Deb, released a statement saying in part, "Anyone who drives, take the time to be aware and look twice for motorcycles and their riders, because once is never enough. Our hope is that no other family has to endure this same tragic loss suffered by our family, friends and Jeff's co-workers."

"We were anxious to get through this day and hopefully we can go on and heal a little bit deeper because the pain has been very great. We miss Jeff terribly," said Sandy Ahl.

Hoberman must also take a defensive driving course and complete 480 hours of community service.