Benjamin Romshak’s case is continued Tuesday due to scheduling conflicts with his attorney. Romshak is accused of causing a head-on collision that took the life of Sunni Rae Scott of Bellaire in November. T-L Photo/ROBERT A. DEFRANK

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Benjamin Fred Romshak, accused of causing a fatal head-on collision in mid-November, appeared briefly Tuesday by video before Belmont County Common Pleas Judge Chris Berhalter.

Romshak’s attorney, Scott Brown, argued against terminating Romshak’s treatment in lieu of conviction from a prior offense, saying Romshak has made efforts to remain in compliance.

According to court records, in October Romshak’s sentencing for a third-degree felony drug possession conviction was “held in abeyance,” or temporarily suspended or delayed, pending his acceptance and completion of drug addiction treatment.

In the November collision case, Brown also asked for a continuance for the plea agreement deadline and trial due to scheduling conflicts. Romshak’s pretrial hearing was set for Feb. 9, along with a second hearing to determine if he will be terminated from treatment in lieu of sentencing.

“On Feb. 9 we will set a new plea agreement deadline as well as a new trial date,” Berhalter said.

After the hearing Tuesday, Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Vavra said Romshak previously had been convicted of third-degree felony drug possession.

Romshak is being held without bond in the Belmont County Jail due to alleged violations of treatment in lieu of conviction. Vavra said the alleged violations include issues with counseling, a failure to appear in court, and the new vehicular manslaughter charge he is facing.

Romshak, 34, of 72375 Morristown-Flushing Road stands accused of one count of third-degree felony vehicular manslaughter.

On Nov. 21, Sunni Rae Scott of Bellaire, manager of Sunni Rae’s Buy Sell Trade in Flushing, died. She had suffered severe injuries in a Nov. 14 head-on collision with a vehicle allegedly driven by Romshak. Scott, 49, underwent multiple surgeries after being hospitalized.

The crash reportedly occurred on Ohio 331. Reports state Romshak allegedly was driving left of center and collided with Scott’s oncoming vehicle.

Vavra said the information sharing process is continuing.

“All evidence and discovery has been provided to the defense counsel, and they are in the process of reviewing it all now,” he said.

Vavra elaborated on some circumstances of the collision

“There had been multiple calls to 911 about a driver operating his vehicle recklessly on (Ohio) 331, and that was shortly before the accident occurred,” Vavra said. “I can’t provide any reason as to why he was allegedly driving the way that he was.”