Jerome Sabbota

Jerome Sabbota

The facts within the review are not accurate. Never a specific promise made as to a specific sentence. Defendant was charged in Count 1 - 2nd Degree Murder, punishable by a maximum life sentence. Count 2 - Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death and Count 3 - Reckless Driving Causing Death. Each punishable by 15 years in prison, respectively. Defendant and his passenger left his suburban residence and went to Detroit to purchase heroin. The heroin was snorted by both him and the passenger. Defendant drove his car on a major thoroughfare in Detroit. It was 6:30 p.m. on a sunny day. At a speed of 105 mph the car crashed, striking a pole, spinning around, striking a van, which contained a mother and young child. It then struck a fire hydrant. Defendant’s passenger was killed. Other innocent bystanders were placed in harms way. Defendant was unconscious when found by responders, and required a double dose Narcan to be revived. Defendant’s blood contained benzolyecgonine, fentanyl and THC. At each court appearance, and through emails, plea negotiations were attempted. Defense counsel was advised this was a policy case and no reductions would be offered. A letter of deviation of that policy was addressed to the assigned prosecutor’s supervisors. Prior to the final pretrial date, a plea offer was made to dismiss the 2nd Degree Murder charge with a sentence agreement of 9 to 15 years. Defendant had one week to accept that arrangement. Subsequent discussions were had and the plea offer resulted in an agreement 7 ½ to 15 years. The prosecutor’s position was that would be their best offer based on Defendant’s conduct which killed his passenger, created the risk of injury to the woman and her child, and to innocent bystanders. It was to avoid a trial in the 2nd Degree Murder charge, with a minimum guideline range of 18 to 25 years. Our condolences and prayers go out to the family of the deceased person in the Defendant’s vehicle. We also wish the Defendant success in his future, including a cure of his substance abuse and addiction to controlled substances.