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Unlicensed driver charged in fatal Johnston County crash

Jorge Luis Soto Jr., 16, of Newton Grove, was trying to pass when he hit a motorcycle head-on on Strickland Crossroads in Johnston County.

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Jorge Soto Jr.
SMITHFIELD, N.C. — An unlicensed driver has been charged in a crash that claimed the life of of a Benson man Oct. 25.

Jorge Luis Soto Jr., 16, of Newton Grove, was trying to pass when he hit a motorcycle head-on on Strickland Crossroads in Johnston County, a spokesman from the Highway Patrol said. Soto's speed was estimated at 65 mph.

John Andrews Blackman, 44, died in the crash.

Soto was charged with reckless driving, misdemeanor death by vehicle and driving without a license.

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