Former South Elgin man get 3 years in prison after 5th DUI arrest
A former South Elgin man was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty after his fifth DUI arrest, according to court records.
Gregory D. Rich, 55, now of the 12N500 block of Burlington Road, Burlington, took police on a chase in late December where he neared 100 mph in Hampshire before crashing his 1995 Chevy Blazer into a ditch at Getzelman and Lenchow roads, according to court records.
Rich last week pleaded guilty to aggravated DUI and was fined $1,895 in a plea agreement accepted by Kane County Judge Clint Hull.
Rich had previous DUI convictions in 1983, 1984 and 1986, and was arrested on charges of DUI in 2003 but had that charge reduced to reckless driving, court records show.
Rich admitted to drinking a half bottle of brandy and an open bottle was found in his vehicle, according to court records.
“Officers attempted to stop the defendant’s car for speeding. When the officer turned on his lights, the defendant sped away in excess of 96 mph. The defendant crashed into a ditch. The defendant told the officer he had just consumed one-half bottle of brandy, which was found in the car,” wrote Assistant State’s Attorney Danielle Bechtold in court documents.
Rich complained of back pain after the crash but was not seriously injured, police said.
Under state law, Rich can have his sentence halved for good behavior while in prison. He faced a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison, but the charges were amended in the plea deal.
Rich also receives credit for 69 days spent in jail while his case was pending.