Biker's Road Rage Confrontation Lands 30-Day Jail Sentence in Palm Coast

Gregg Pacheco's Road Rage History and Legal Consequences

Gregg Pacheco, a 53-year-old motorcyclist from Palm Coast, has been involved in multiple road rage incidents over the years. On July 8, he was sentenced to 30 days in jail followed by 48 months of probation for allegedly pulling a gun on a driver. The case highlights the escalating nature of his behavior and the legal consequences that have followed.

Sentencing Details

Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols offered Pacheco a withhold of adjudication, which means he will not have a felony conviction on his record, provided he serves 30 days in jail. Pacheco accepted this arrangement. The judge emphasized that he needed to understand the seriousness of drawing a firearm in such situations. She also noted that Pacheco’s lack of prior felony convictions influenced her decision.

"I think he needs to spend some time in jail. If he wants that withhold, he needs to understand that that type of behavior is unacceptable," Nichols said.

However, Pacheco will not receive credit for the 49 days he served in jail before being released on bond. The judge stressed that he must learn that using a firearm when no one else has done so is unacceptable. Additionally, if he successfully completes probation, he may regain the right to own firearms, which concerned prosecutors.

Prosecution's Concerns

Assistant State Attorney Tara Libby opposed the withhold of adjudication, arguing that Pacheco should never be allowed to carry a firearm again given his history of road rage. She pointed out that Pacheco had escalated from breaking mirrors to pulling a gun, indicating a dangerous pattern of behavior.

Defense attorney Josh Davis requested that Pacheco serve his sentence on weekends, citing his job at a concrete plant. However, Judge Nichols denied the request, emphasizing the need for Pacheco to face the full consequences of his actions.

Probation Conditions

During his probation, Pacheco will not be allowed to possess firearms, a standard condition. He must also forfeit any existing firearms to the sheriff’s office and undergo a mental health evaluation. He is prohibited from using drugs or alcohol during this period.

Pacheco entered a no-contest plea to aggravated assault with a firearm, a third-degree felony, and criminal mischief, a second-degree misdemeanor. His open plea meant he did not reach an agreement with prosecutors, who had previously offered probation and an adjudication of guilt. Libby stated that Pacheco refused to accept the adjudication of guilt, leading to the lack of an agreement before sentencing.

The Incident That Led to the Sentence

The incident that resulted in Pacheco's latest charges occurred on June 11, 2024, when he and his wife, Amy, were stopped at a red light at Palm Coast Parkway and Palm Harbor Drive. A driver in a work van criticized Pacheco’s driving, prompting Amy to open a collapsible baton and make a threatening statement. According to the affidavit, she said, “We’re not going to die, you’re going to (expletive) die!”

As the light turned green, Gregg Pacheco pulled out a gun and pointed it at the driver before speeding away. This act led to his arrest and subsequent sentencing.

Amy Pacheco's Plea

Amy Pacheco, 47, pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of exhibition of a dangerous weapon and was adjudicated guilty. She was placed on 12 months of probation with an option for early termination. During this time, she cannot possess weapons or guns and must undergo random urinalysis. She was also ordered to write an apology letter to the victim.

Previous Road Rage Incidents

This was the third time Pacheco was accused of road rage since 2021. In one incident in December 2023, he reportedly punched a car's window and kicked its bumper. Deputies found him carrying a gun and brass knuckles, but no charges were filed. In another case in July 2021, he was charged with criminal mischief after damaging a car’s mirror, though the charge was dropped after he completed a deferred prosecution agreement.

In March 2022, Pacheco drew a gun on a driver who threatened him with a knife. Sheriff Rick Staly praised his restraint at the time, but later expressed concerns about his actions in the latest case.

Conclusion

Gregg Pacheco’s legal troubles underscore the dangers of road rage and the potential consequences of escalating violent behavior. While the court provided him with a chance to avoid a felony record, the conditions of his probation reflect the seriousness of his actions and the need for accountability.