A Berrien County man who was driving drunk when he struck and killed a motorcyclist in June will likely spend between three and seven years in prison.

Jason Root, 35, of Berrien Springs, pleaded guilty Monday in Berrien County Trial Court in Niles to one count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death.

In exchange for Root’s plea, Assistant Prosecutor Jerry Vigansky agreed to recommend a sentence of between 43 and 86 months.

Judge Dennis Wiley, who accepted the guilty plea, is scheduled to sentence Root Sept. 28.

The accident occurred on Pokagon Highway near Pucker Street in Berrien Township on June 23.

Root said he was traveling west on Pokagon when he attempted to pass another westbound vehicle that was traveling slowly. When Root drove into the other lane, he hit a motorcycle that was traveling east on Pokagon.

The motorcyclist later died.

Root told the judge Monday that he probably drank between six and eight beers in six hours prior to driving and that his drinking affected his ability to drive.

Vigansky said a state police blood test showed that Root had a blood alcohol level of 0.124.