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PALOMA, ILL. -- Felony charges have been filed against Luke Genenbacher as a result of a Dec. 16, 2011 drunken driving crash outside Paloma, Ill.

Genenbacher has been charged with Aggravated DUI and causing great bodily harm to Lisa Shimp, a passenger in the vehicle operated by her husband, Brian Shimp.

Illinois State Police investigators said that then 17-year-old Luke Genenbacher was driving South on County Road 17-50 when he failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Highway 24.

The vehicle operated by Genenbacher collided with the passenger side of the Shimp's vehicle.

Investigators said that Genenbacher's blood-alcohol level was above the state's legal threshold of .08 percent. Shimp suffered multiple injuries in the collision, for which she continues to be treated.
 
Genenbacher, who was 17 at the time of the collision, was also charged with underage consumption of alcohol, and disregarding a stop sign.
 
Charges against Genenbacher have been pending while laboratory analysis of his blood was completed by the Illinois State Police Crime Lab, State's Attorney Jon Barnard said.. The charges were also delayed pending Genenbacher's recovery and treatment for his injuries. 

Alaina Genenbacher, Luke Genenbacher's sister, is also charged with providing alcohol to a minor. An ongoing investigation is examining Luke Genenbacher's whereabouts and activities prior to the collision. Barnard said additional charges could follow.

Genenbacher's family plans to hold a benefit Sunday, March 11 to help raise money for his medical expenses.

“Luke and his family thank you for all your thoughts, prayers and continued support as he recovers,” a press release promoting the benefit says.