LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The wealthy real estate executive who is responsible for the death of a 36-year-old mother of three named Melissa Newton because he was driving drunk after a charity golf tournament is asking the court for a lighter sentence.
PREVIOUS STORY: Scott Gragson pleads guilty to charges resulting from 2019 fatal DUI crash
54-year-old Scott Gragson is facing a possible sentence of 25 years related to the deadly 2019 crash. Instead, he is hoping to serve between 6 and 15 years.
According to a sentencing memorandum submitted to the Eighth Judicial District Court, Gragson “wishes that he could turn back time and change the outcome of the tragic events of May 30, 2019.”
The sentencing memorandum points out that except for a minor transgression when Gragson was 19 years old, he has led an “exemplary life.”
He has been involved in numerous charities and served on the board of directors for Candlelighters, Las Vegas Fire and Rescue Foundation, and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Southern Nevada.
The memorandum also points out that Gragson completed 50 days of inpatient treatment at Cirque Lodge in Utah. After he was discharged from the lodge, a sober companion lived with him full-time for 4 months and part-time for 4 months.
Gragson now attends 15 “AA” meetings weekly to maintain his sobriety and is attempting to help other people who are suffering from addiction.
More than 160 people also wrote letters of support for the court, including former senator Richard Bryan and well-known Las Vegas businessman Sig Rogich.
Gragson has reached a civil settlement with the Estate of Melissa Newtown, Greg Tassi, and Christine Cobbett. According to the lawyer who represents the victims, they are satisfied with the settlement and have no objection to an aggregate sentence of 6 to 15 years.
Another passenger, real estate executive Christopher Bentley, is also suing after he suffered brain damage in the crash.
PREVIOUS STORY: Scott Gragson to pay over $12M to family of mother killed in crash
