SIMI VALLEY : Man, 29, Charged With Manslaughter

A Simi Valley man was charged Wednesday with vehicular manslaughter and two other criminal counts in connection with a fiery car wreck that took the life of a Thousand Oaks woman.

Prosecutors said Glen James Paton, 29, faces up to 10 years and eight months in connection with the Dec. 22 death of Samantha Huntley, 26, a veterinary technician.

Paton’s bail was raised from $50,000 to $250,000. Prosecutors argued for the higher bail, saying Paton is a native Canadian who has lived in the United States only three years and may flee the country if released on the lower amount.

A representative of Mothers Against Drunk Driving said outside the courtroom that three foreigners have escaped prosecution by fleeing to their homeland after being charged with vehicular manslaughter in Ventura County in recent years.

Prosecutors also noted that Paton was on probation for driving under the influence at the time of Huntley’s death.

But defense attorney Joseph P. Villasana asked the judge not to raise the bail. He said Paton works in construction and owns his Simi Valley home.

Municipal Judge Bruce A. Clark ordered another hearing for today to review the bail after officials verify whether Paton owns the home.

Clark also postponed Paton’s arraignment until Monday to give Villasana time to review police reports in the case.