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Driver Admits to Deadly DUI at Harveys Lake

WILKES-BARRE — The man accused of a deadly DUI hit-and-run in Luzerne County last year admitted to the crime in court Friday.
scavone

WILKES-BARRE -- The man accused of a deadly DUI hit-and-run in Luzerne County last year admitted to the crime in court Friday.

Michael Scavone pleaded guilty to four counts related the hit-and-run death of Paula Jones, 31, of Factoryville while she was training for a triathlon on Lakeside Drive at Harveys Lake in 2015.

Scavone's blood alcohol level was more than 2.5 times the legal limit.

In court, Scavone told Jones' family, while fighting through tears, he is truly sorry, but the Jones family says they are the ones who will be serving the life sentence.

"She was kind, sweet, generous, always there to help someone, a really wonderful person and she's going to be missed," said Jones' mother Inez Lewis.

The case was the first to be tried and won using Kevin's Law, which originated in Luzerne County. It increased the minimum sentence of leaving the scene of a hit and run.

Prosecutors also acknowledge no amount of time spent in jail can bring back the life of a lost loved one.

"It still is devastating for this family. There's a hole, as Inez explained in court, that will never be filled again," said Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis.

Scavone also pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of a deadly injury.

Scavone was sentenced to seven to 16 years in prison.

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