Former Utica College official gets 2½ years in DWI accident

Gregg Sponburgh, former director of environmental health and safety at Utica College, was sentenced to prison today for his role a drunken-driving accident that left three people injured last September.

Herkimer County Court Judge Patrick Kirk sentenced Sponburgh to 2½ years in prison for second-degree assault followed by two years of post-release supervision. He also sentenced Sponburgh to 1 to 3 years for second-degree vehicular assault. The sentences will run concurrently.

One of the victims, Erin Dugan, 27, of Richfield, said she believes the sentence was equal punishment for two broken legs she suffered in the accident.

"He'll spend probably two years in prison, and that's more than enough for me," she said. "People need to be shown that you just can't drink and drive."

Before Sponburgh was taken into custody, he apologized in court for his actions.

"I have to live with all the pain that I caused everybody in this room," Sponburgh said as he fought back tears. "This is going to one of the worst memories I am going to have to remember before I close my eyes for the last time."