Nashville, TN. (July 23, 2007) - The man convicted in the drunk driving death of a Gibson executive and renowned instrument maker has been given a 25 year prison sentence for aggravated vehicular homicide. 34-year old Julio Villasana was travelling the wrong direction on a highway just north of Nashville when his SUV collided with 51-year old Charles Derrington''s motorcycle in August 2006. Villasana''s blood alcohol level was three times over the legal limit at .23. Villasana, a Mexican citizen, had been deported 14 times.
Derrington managed production of Gibson''s mandolin division. He is known for rebuilding Bill Monroe''s prized 1923 Gibson F-5 mandolin after a burglar broke into his home and smashed it. The mandolin can be seen at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Derrington had a passion for Loar-era instruments. He was responsible for bringing Gibson mandolins back to the forefront of manufacturing popularity in the ''90''s.
