Chatfield man sentenced after pleading guilty to hitting, killing motorcyclist

Nicholas Allen Sprau, a 60-year-old man from Chatfield, was sentenced to over three years in prison for the drunk driving crash that led to the death of motorcyclist Ricky Hutton in September 2022. Sprau was charged with criminal vehicular homicide and, after pleading guilty to one count, faced a combined total of five charges. During his court appearance, Sprau expressed remorse, acknowledging that the incident would haunt him forever.

Despite a plea agreement suggesting a 41-month sentence, Olmsted County Prosecutor Jeffrey Hill argued against leniency, pointing out that cases of criminal vehicular homicide rarely receive reduced sentences. Sprau had no prior criminal history, but Hill maintained that his actions did not constitute a unique case, emphasizing that good people can make poor choices. The level of public outrage and the impact on Hutton's family were evident during the hearing, as they delivered emotional victim impact statements.

Hutton's family expressed their grief, noting that he did not live to see significant life moments and that memorials placed at the crash site were taken down shortly after being erected. They conveyed a desire for Sprau to truly suffer the consequences of his actions and experience the pain they now endure. In contrast, Sprau's defense attorney, Eric Newmark, argued for a lesser sentence, citing Sprau's history of good behavior and genuine remorse.

District Judge Erin Felten ultimately refrained from deviating from the established sentencing guidelines, imposing a 41-month sentence that mandates at least 27 months of incarceration. The judge stated that she had carefully considered the case's gravity before making her decision.

The fatal crash occurred when Sprau, returning home after drinking at a brewery, made a left turn into his driveway and struck Hutton, who was riding a motorcycle. Law enforcement noted significant damage to both vehicles, and Sprau displayed signs of intoxication, with a blood alcohol concentration measured at 0.173. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of drunk driving and the profound impact it has on victims and their families.