LIHU‘E — Michael Jason Gregg will be spending a year in jail and paying over $150,000 in restitution after causing a near-fatal car accident in Anahola last summer. Gregg, 32, of Kapa‘a, was sentenced in Fifth Circuit Court yesterday after
LIHU‘E — Michael Jason Gregg will be spending a year in jail and paying over $150,000 in restitution after causing a near-fatal car accident in Anahola last summer.
Gregg, 32, of Kapa‘a, was sentenced in Fifth Circuit Court yesterday after pleading guilty June 10 in a plea deal to two counts of first-degree negligent injury, and unlawful imprisonment and family abuse in an unrelated case.
In a July 28, 2003 accident, prosecutors said Gregg, while high on marijuana and methamphetamine, crossed the double-yellow line of Kuhio Highway in Anahola, slamming into a sport-utility vehicle occupied by Paul Berberian, 37 and his wife, Renée, visitors from Colorado.
Berberian sustained a broken shoulder, a shattered right leg, and a severed artery. Major surgery was needed, as doctors inserted two rods and several screws to hold the leg together.
Besides a broken back, Renée Berberian, 38, suffered massive internal injuries. She underwent spinal surgery. Doctors also removed half of her colon, 15 inches of intestine, and her appendix. They placed four screws in her back to help the spine heal.
They continue to recover from their injuries in Colorado. The family sent a victim impact statement to Circuit Court Judge Clifford L. Nakea that was used as evidence, First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Craig De Costa said.
The Berberians “are never going to be 100% again,” De Costa added.
Yesterday, in an emotional scene, Gregg broke down before addressing the court.
“I am truly sorry from deep in my heart,” said Gregg. “My apologies to the family in Colorado.
“I am sorry about the way I used to act, the way I used to think, the actions I used to do,” he said. “I know I broke the law. I just ask mercy.
“I took a wrong choice. I just thank God we’re all alive still,” he added.
Gregg’s lawyer, public defender James Itamura, said that while Gregg at the time of the July 28 accident “was in the subculture” of drug use, he has since turned his life around.
“Mr. Gregg has made changes in his life. They’re for real,” Itamura said. “His actions have demonstrated these changes.”
Gregg, who was represented by public defender June Ikemoto as well, said that he has given his life to Christ, which has led to the biggest change in his attitude.
“I put my trust in the Lord,” he said. “I want to bring my family back (together).”
While De Costa agreed that Gregg seemed a different person, he said that jail was necessary due to the extent of the crime.
“It is one of the worst negligent injuries on Kaua‘i,” De Costa said, adding that Gregg, according to witnesses, had been traveling near 70 miles per hour in his truck, and was weaving over the double-yellow line. The prosecutor added that he apparently had no insurance at the time of the accident, either. Judge Nakea agreed with De Costa, and sentenced Gregg to one year imprisonment, and five years probation.
“It is encouraging that you have taken (positive) steps. I have no questions about your sincerity,” Nakea said. “My concern is the mess you left behind. You can’t walk away and take care of yourself.”
Nakea also ordered restitution for the Berberians’ medical expenses, totaling $156,770. Gregg will also be on probation for five years.
Tom Finnegan, staff writer, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or mailto:tfinnegan@pulitzer.net
