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One day after new charges, Joshua Gaspar takes to social media to defend himself

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One day after having more charges added to his case, the driver suspected of hitting and killing an Ohio trooper along Interstate 90 took to social media in an attempt to defend himself against critics. 

On Monday, Joshua Gaspar was indicted on more charges that could bring a stiffer sentence if he’s convicted.

Gaspar, 37, of Columbia Station, previously pleaded not guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide in the September death of Trooper Kenneth Velez.

New charges added Monday include a potential mandatory five-year prison sentence for causing an officer’s death while driving recklessly or under the influence of drugs.

Prosecutors say Gaspar took methadone shortly before the crash and didn’t have a proper license.

He denies the charges. Defense attorney Jon Sinn says Gaspar took a prescribed dose of methadone issued to him to address a drug addiction. Sinn tells The Chronicle-Telegram in Elyria that Gaspar’s license was valid and properly obtained.

Gaspar posted a comment on the "Ohio Going Blue" Facebook page Tuesday.

The page administrator replied to his post with this comment, alleging that Gaspar "knew the risks of driving while on that medication."