Prison Term Recommended if Connors Guilty as Charged

The Los Angeles County Probation Department has recommended that former Hart High quarterback Ryan Connors be sentenced to a prison term if he is found guilty of charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and causing injuries in a July 23 auto accident in Newhall.

Deputy district attorney Steve Barron said the probation office’s recommendation came after Connors had requested a preliminary plea report. The development Monday was in lieu of a scheduled preliminary hearing, which was originally set for Sept. 20. The hearing is scheduled for Dec. 6 in Newhall Municipal Court Division II.

Barron said Connors’ defense attorney, Tom Kascoutas, had requested a probation term and community service as a penalty.

Connors--who set a Southern Section single-season record by passing for 4,144 yards in 1991--could face a maximum six years if found guilty. Connors, 19, is charged with two felony counts--driving under the influence and driving with a blood-alcohol level of .08 or above--and one misdemeanor--reckless driving causing injury. The driver of the other car, Gregory C. Moore, 32, was critically injured in the accident.

Connors’ attorney could not be reached for comment.