Gragson will serve 8-20 years in prison
In May 2019, real-estate broker Scott Gragson was involved in a fatel DUI crash. The crash killed Melissa Newton, a mother of three.
He left a charity golf event after drinking 4-5 mixed drinks. Newton accepted a ride home.
The crash took place at The Ridges in Las Vegas, Nevada. Three others were injured in the crash: Greg Tassi; Christie Cobbett; Christopher Bentley.
Moments after the crash, Gragson failed a sobriety test conducted by police officers at the scene.
Back in February, Gragson pleased guilty. Prosecutors asked for 10-25 years in prison.
On Friday, Gragson sat in court to hear the sentencing ruling. Over video tape, Judge Michael Villani ordered 8-20 years in prison.
Family of Melissa Newton
“I can still hear those screams,” Newton’s ex-husband, John Newton said recalling when he told their daughters. “I will always hear those screams.”
Scott Gragson was not in the courtroom.
John Newton added, “We should have the ability to look him in the eye, as we speak.”
Christopher Bentley
“Day in and day out, my family deals with the repercussions of Scott Gragson’s poor choices,” stated Christopher Bentley’s daughter Nicole.
She added, “I have had to learn to take care of him similar to the way he did me as a child. This accident has left a mark on our family forever. No matter how much progress my father makes in recovery, he will never be the same.”
Christopher was not in the court room. However, his lawyer read a written statement on his behalf.
“The other reason I currently live in fear is that I simply do not know if I am making sense when I speak,” Attorney Christopher Turtzo read.
Scott Gragson
“Mr. Gragson should be judged by his entire life and not the single day of May 30, 2019,” lawyers for Gragson stated.
Scott Gragson is a wealthy Las Vegas area real estate broker. His son, Noah Gragson is a driver in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports.
“I have the utmost sorrow, empathy and compassion toward the family of Melissa Newton as well as the other families involved,” he said. “I have accepted the reality that I am going to the one place on earth that I have always feared, and that is prison.”
Gragson was sued by all four in the crash. He is expected to pay $21 million to the family of Melissa Newton alone. Greg Tassi and Christie Cobbett also reached a settlement agreement. Christopher Bentley’s lawsuit remains pending.
Scott Gragson was ordered to turn himself in by 3:00pm on Friday to begin his prison sentence.
