Sentencing postponed for man charged in death of Sun exec

Erica D. Johnson

Monday, Dec. 9, 2002 | 11:15 a.m.

Sentencing was postponed in the case of the local man charged with causing the accident that killed Sun Vice President and Associate Editor Sandy Thompson.

John Simbrat was expected to be sentenced this morning before District Court Judge Sally Loehrer. He pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of a controlled or prohibited substance causing death in the Aug. 9 accident.

Loehrer postponed the sentencing until Dec. 30, saying she was out of the jurisdiction during the Thanksgiving holiday and had not had time to read Simbrat's pre-sentencing report.

Thompson's husband, Gary, and the couple's daughter, Kelly, were prepared to speak at the sentencing. Gary Thompson said he wasn't sure if Simbrat should get the maximum sentence.

"I want a just sentence," he said. "I know what the maximum sentence is, but I don't know what's just anymore. A lot of certainty has been taken out of my life since Aug. 9."

Simbrat was arrested after the sport utility vehicle he was driving plowed into Thompson's Toyota Camry at a red light at the intersection of the Las Vegas Beltway and Far Hills Avenue, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol. Tests showed Simbrat had seven times the amount of marijuana in his blood than is set by law to establish driving under the influence.

Police say he was driving at least 20 miles over the posted speed limit of 45 mph when he caused the collision.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Gary Booker has recommended a stipulated sentence of four to 20 years. Loehrer could sentence Simbrat to a minimum sentence of two to five years or a maximum of eight to 20 years, Booker said.

In exchange for Simbrat's guilty plea, prosecutors dismissed the reckless driving and involuntary manslaughter charges.

Both sides agreed to hold the complete sentencing hearing Dec. 30.

"I was happy to wait until the judge has all the information she needs to sentence him," Thompson said. "I think what we have to say will make more of an impact on the day he is sentenced. The timing will be better then."