FRANKLIN—The driver in the Oct. 26 accident that resulted in the death of a 12-year-old girl has been charged and arrested with involuntary manslaughter DUI-related, according to Sgt. Michelle Anaya, spokesperson for the Virginia State Police.

Tony Sledge, 45, of the 20000 block of General Thomas Highway, was reportedly driving at a high rate of speed on Route 258 south of Sycamore Church Road when he is alleged to have attempted an unsafe lane change, losing control of a 2007 Chevrolet Impala, which flipped several times, Anaya said. Tonashea Sledge died at the scene. She was one of six passengers in the vehicle.

Tony Sledge, who’s being held at Southampton County jail, has also been charged with assault, maiming another while DUI and three counts of abuse/neglect of a child causing serious injury.

His arrest record dates back to 1987, when he was charged with assault and battery on Aug. 28 of that year. In 1990, Sledge was charged with breaking and entering with intent to commit larceny.

In 1994, he was convicted of a grand larceny that occurred on Aug. 8, 1993.

In December 1994, he was convicted and sentenced to six years jail time for selling and distributing cocaine.

In December 2002, he was found guilty of possession of cocaine, and he was sentenced to two years and six months in jail.

In April 2002, he was convicted to four years of prison time for violating probation, dating back to the August 1993 breaking and entering.

In March 2009, he was convicted of contempt of court. In April 2009, he was convicted of three counts of violation of probation.