Father sentenced to 6 years for DUI crash that critically injured daughter

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A Cobb County father, who was drunk when he caused a crash that seriously injured his daughter, will spend six years in prison.

Jerry Lee Scott, 57, pleaded guilty Thursday to serious injury by vehicle and three counts of endangering a child while driving under the influence. On Friday, the DA announced his sentence.

The crash happened on Feb. 5, Super Bowl Sunday, in Austell. Scott was driving a PT cruiser with two adult family members, his two daughters and his granddaughter when he turned left in front of a pickup truck at the intersection of Veterans Memorial Highway and Austell Road.

Scott’s 7-year-old daughter suffered partial paralysis, brain trauma, an eye injury and acute respiratory failure. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Scott’s blood alcohol content was measured at .195, more than twice the legal limit.

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“I recognize that Mr. Scott did not intend to harm his child. His intent was to drink alcohol, and he chose to drive the vehicle. He has to live with knowing that he is responsible for causing these injuries, and the fact that she may never fully recover,” said Senior ADA Patricia Hull, who prosecuted the case.

It was Scott’s fourth DUI arrest. In 2009, he was convicted in Douglas County of DUI with his daughter and granddaughter in the car. They were an infant and a toddler at the time.

“Mr. Scott has had a lot of opportunities over the years to make a change in his life, and he has failed to do so,” Hull said.

Scott requested probation, but was denied.

“My heart hurts for your family,” Judge Kimberly Childs said. “I have an obligation to protect the people of Cobb County. Your next victim may not survive.”

Cox Media Group