The onetime operator of an upstate New York limousine company will spend between five and 15 years behind bars over the horrific 2018 crash that killed 20 people, including 17 revelers headed to a birthday bash.
Nauman Hussain, 33, was hit with the maximum sentence in Schoharie County Court on Wednesday, two weeks after a jury convicted him of 20 counts of second-degree manslaughter in the Oct. 6, 2018, catastrophe.
Relatives of the victims packed the courtroom as Supreme Court Justice Peter Lynch handed down the sentence, the Albany Times-Union reported.
“When Savannah died, part of me died with her,” Kim Bursese, whose daughter was killed in the devastating crash, told the court. “She did the right thing, and it cost her her life.”
Nauman Hussain, 33, former operator of Prestige Limousine, reacts after he is sentenced Wednesday to 5 to 15 years in prison for the deadly 2018 crash that left 20 people dead in Schohairie, including 17 revelers headed to a party. Hans Pennink for NY Post
The converted 2001 Ford Excursion stretch limo crashed into an upstate New York convenience store on Oct. 6, 2018, after the brakes on the vehicle failed, killing 20 people, including 17 revelers heading to a surprise birthday party. NTSBThe group of friends had rented the 31-foot stretch limo, a modified 2001 Ford Excursion, from Prestige Limousine & Chauffer Service to attend a surprise birthday party near Cooperstown — but the limo’s brakes failed and it careened through an intersection in Schoharie.
The vehicle slammed into a convenience store, killing two bystanders and the driver.
Prosecutors said Hussain, who ran Prestige Limousine at the time of the crash, was aware that the brakes were faulty and still rented out the limo.
Defense lawyers argued that a local auto repair shop and state Department of Transportation inspectors should shoulder the blame.
But the jury agreed with the prosecution, finding Hussain guilty after just six hours of deliberations on May 17.
Former limo company operator Nauman Hussain was sentenced Wednesday to 5 to 15 years in prison, the maximum for his conviction on 20 counts of manslaughter stemming from a 2018 crash that killed 20 people in upstate New York. Hans Pennink for NY Post
Nauman Hussain’s girlfriend, Melissa Bell, reacts as he is sentenced. Hans Pennink for NY PostHussain had previously cut a plea deal with prosecutors in 2021 that would’ve allowed him to avoid jail time.
But a judge threw out the deal and ordered that the case go to trial.
The crash was the deadliest in the US in decades and forced state lawmakers to pass legislation that provided more limousine safety requirements and restrictions.
Schoharie County District Attorney Susan Mallery, left, speaks before Nauman Hussain is sentenced. Hans Pennink for NY Post
Bethany King, left, who lost four members of her family gets a hug after giving her reaction statement before Judge Peter Lynch. Hans Pennink for NY Post
Donna Rivenburg, the mother of Amanda Rivenburg, gives her reaction statement. Hans Pennink for NY Post
Kevin Cushing, center, who lost his son Patrick Cushing, stands with family giving his reaction statement. Hans Pennink for NY Post
Nauman Hussain reacts as he is sentenced to 5 to 15 years in prison. Hans Pennink for NY Post


