Man charged in Poconos crash that killed 3 Bucks Co. teens

HOLLAND, Pa. (WPVI) -- A man has been charged after a teenage girl allegedly crashed an SUV in the Poconos over Labor Day weekend, killing three teenage boys from Bucks County.

Michael J. Ware, 53, of Scarsdale, New York, is charged with involuntary manslaughter, endangering the welfare of children, false reporting and other charges.

The Bucks County Courier Times reports Ware is the father of the teen driver.

Sources previously told Action News that the driver was a 15-year-old girl.

The Wayne County District Attorney's office said on Wednesday that Ware allegedly gave the teen permission to drive his SUV on August 30th, even though she did not have a driver's license or even a learner's permit.

Investigators add it wasn't the first time Ware let the girl drive the vehicle.

The D.A. says that when Ware was initially interviewed by the state police on the day of the crash, he denied giving the girl permission to use the vehicle.

There were a total of six teenagers in the SUV at the time of the crash on Goosepond Road in Paupack Township, Wayne County.

Killed were Ryan Lesher, Shamus Digney, and Cullen Keffer. All three 15-year-olds were set to enter their sophomore year at Council Rock South High School.

Police earlier told Action News that speed played a factor in the crash, and sources said there were no outward signs of alcohol or drug use.

D.A. Janine Edwards went on to say a juvenile criminal petition has been filed against the teen driver but, because of her age, would make no further comment.