A Dawson County maintenance worker turned himself into authorities Tuesday to face charges stemming from his role in a wreck that killed a Dawsonville man June 15.

James “Jim” Ferrante, 42, has been charged with one count each of second degree vehicular homicide and failure to yield the right of way.

Both charges are misdemeanors, according to jail records. As of Tuesday afternoon, Ferrante’s bond had not been set.

Authorities have said Ferrante, a facilities maintenance supervisor who has worked for the county since 2004, turned into the path of an oncoming motorcycle at the entrance to Veterans Memorial Park on Hwy. 9 North.

William Buchanan “Buck” Chapman, 23, died when his motorcycle collided with a trailer Ferrante was hauling behind a county maintenance truck.

Chapman’s family has since retained legal counsel in the matter.

Joey Homans, who represents the Dawson County commission, said the county has received formal notice from a law firm in Atlanta. Such notification is required before a lawsuit can be filed against a government.

He said the firm also requested information on the county’s insurance policies, as well as personnel records and training certificates on Ferrante, who was required to take a defensive driving course before he could return to work.

On Tuesday, County Manager Kevin Tanner said Ferrante remains employed by the county.

“As a result of the accusation, from an internal standpoint, he is not allowed to drive county equipment on any public roads,” Tanner said.