Pocono News Section

Football Star Fights to Get Out of Prison

Football Star Fights to Get Out of Prison - Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 5:41PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Tuesday, Jun 30, 2009 @ 05:41pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - A well-known West Scranton athlete is continuing his fight to get out of prison.

Chase Passeri was back in court Tuesday morning and what came out surprised many. Prosecutors detailed their case how Passeri allegedly has no remorse for causing a drunk driving accident late last year. They pointed out recent recorded prison calls where his family painted him as the victim.

The most shocking part was a recorded call where Passeri's mother called him the Britney Spears of Lackawanna County.

His lawyer, Jason Mattioli, says his client is remorseful and belongs in an alcohol treatment program.

"To take the first steps towards recovery, you have to admit that you're powerless over the substance that controls you, here it is alcohol," Mattioli said.

Prosecutors say Passeri was responsible for a drunk driving crash near Clarks Summit in December. He was hurt and several other people in his car were also hurt.

His bail was revoked three weeks ago, after beer was found in a car he was in.

"I think the time he's been in prison, was a, for the lack of a better term, a sobering experience and I firmly believe he's on the path of recovery," Mattioli said.

Prosecutor Mary Ann Grippo disagrees. She detailed 57 pages of recorded prison calls between Chase Passeri and his family Tuesday.

In one, Chase's mother was heard telling her son, "You're the Britney Spears of Lackawanna County." She went on to say, "This is just a vendetta against you."

In response, Chase Passeri responded, "it's just my last name. It's just my last name."

Prosecutors say other conversations also show Passeri has no remorse and didn't care about a potential rehab program. That's why they want to keep him behind bars.

"Sometimes parents, or human beings, under stressful situations... I'm not going to say -- say the wrong things -- but we'll just say things that comfort. We've got to take the situation into consideration. She's talking to her son who has been in prison for the first time," Mattioli said.

A judge is expected to decide by Wednesday whether Passeri will stay in prison or go to an inpatient facility.