Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette Ryan Orzechowicz is seen at his plea hearing with attorney Samuel Bennett and Houghton County Prosecutor Brittany Bulleit. Orzechowicz pleaded no contest to two counts of operating while intoxicated - causing death related to a fatal November crash.

HOUGHTON — The driver in a November crash that killed two passengers in Chassell Township pleaded no contest in Houghton County Circuit Court Friday morning.

Ryan Orzechowicz, 34, of Covington is charged with two counts of operating under the influence – causing death, which carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. He pleaded no contest because of a pending civil suit.

In exchange for the plea, two charges of reckless driving causing death were dismissed. The agreement also stipulates that the sentences be served concurrently and provides a minimum sentence range — 43 to 86 months.

Shortly after 2:20 a.m. Nov. 4, Orzechowicz was westbound on the Chassell-Painesdale Road when he failed to stop at the intersection with U.S. 41. His vehicle ran off the road, landing in a wooded area before catching fire.

Jennifer Rajala, 35, of Covington and Lacey Rajala, 30, of Chassell were killed in the early morning crash.

As a basis for the plea, Prosecutor Brittany Bulleit submitted testimony from officers who responded to the scene, people who lived nearby, and security camera footage of the crash.

Tests from UP Health System — Portage showed a blood-alcohol level of 104 milligrams per deciliter at 4 a.m., above the legal limit of 80.

Orzechowicz had been scheduled for a trial starting July 10. His sentencing hearing is scheduled to take place in approximately 60 days.