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Former Football Standout Going to Prison for Crash

Former Football Standout Going to Prison for Crash - Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 04:07AM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Tuesday March 23 2010
0/ 5 rating

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - A well-known Scranton athlete is going to prison after a drunk driving crash.

Chase Passeri learned his fate Tuesday morning at the Lackawanna County courthouse.

Prosecutors say Passeri had a blood alcohol content of .148, that's nearly twice the legal limit, when he caused a crash in December 2008.Shortly after the accident, he was released on bail, but was caught drinking again.

That is why a judge decided Tuesday that Passeri should spend between 6 and 23 months in prison.

"I'm a little taken back by it. I respect the judge's decision but its a tragedy for everybody," defense attorney Frank Santomauro said.

Passeri admitted to being drunk and also speeding when he crashed his car near Clarks Summit in 2008. Passeri and several of his passengers were hurt.

Prosecutors say one of the passengers was a 14-year-old girl. She has required a number of surgeries and still needs several more.

"Her life completely changed. She was a cross country runner who can no longer run cross country," Deputy District Attorney Maryann Grippo said.

Passeri is a former star player on the West Scranton football team. He played wide receiver. His former coach even spoke on his behalf before sentencing. Passeri has now been sober for nine months.

"I think Chase put his best foot forward. He's done what he can do and that's what matters," Santomauro said.

In court, Passeri addressed the judge, saying "I'd like to personally apologize...I never meant for that to happen." Passeri also went on to talk about his recovery saying, "I look at myself in the mirror and I like the progress I've made."

Prosecutors hope he was sincere.

"What we've been dealing with for the last couple years is a young man who's self-consumed. I hope his rehabilitation efforts will change that. I don't think they've done that yet," Grippo said.

In addition to prison time, Passeri will also have to serve four years probation and perform 200 hours of community service. He will have to talk to fellow students about the dangers of drinking and driving.
 


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