State revokes trucker’s driver’s license Man under influence of marijuana when involved in fatal accident

AUGUSTA – A trucker who had a lengthy record of driving offenses before causing a fatal crash on the Maine Turnpike has lost his driver’s license for good, Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap announced Wednesday.

The state was able to permanently revoke Scott Hewitt’s license because of a finding by investigators that Hewitt was under the influence of marijuana when his tractor-trailer crushed a car on the toll highway in July 2005, Dunlap said.

Hewitt, 34, of Caribou, pleaded guilty last month to manslaughter in the crash, which caused the death of Tina Turcotte, 40, of Scarborough.

“The death caused by Mr. Hewitt was a needless tragedy, and it is my sincere wish that he never get behind the wheel of any motor vehicle ever again, in Maine or any other state,” Dunlap said Wednesday in a statement.

Hewitt’s driving record, which included 63 convictions, 23 license suspensions and a previous fatal crash, outraged many Mainers and prompted the Legislature to crack down on motorists with suspended licenses who refuse to stop driving.

On Feb. 16, Hewitt entered a guilty plea to manslaughter and five misdemeanors including operating while possessing a controlled substance. Under a plea agreement, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison with all but 30 months suspended and was ordered to serve four years on probation.

Even though Hewitt’s license was permanently revoked, he could petition to get it back 10 years after he’s released from prison.

If Hewitt tries to get his license back, there would be an administrative hearing and Turcotte’s family would be invited to participate, Dunlap said.

“Extending an invitation to Tina Turcotte’s family guarantees the impact of Mr. Hewitt’s criminal behavior would not be forgotten or overlooked by the hearing examiner, making it highly unlikely indeed that restoration would be approved,” he said.