Publicist in SUV Crash May Agree to Plea Deal

A wealthy publicist accused of injuring 16 people when she backed her sport-utility vehicle into a crowd at a trendy Hamptons nightclub is apparently on the verge of a plea bargain.

Elizabeth Grubman, 31, has pleaded not guilty in a 26-count indictment that includes charges of assault, leaving the scene of an accident and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Grubman could plead guilty as early as Friday in exchange for serving at least 60 days in a special lockup that provides counseling for alcohol abuse, according to two people close to Grubman who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Grubman was charged with backing her Mercedes into a crowd of partygoers outside Conscience Point Inn in Southampton in July 2001. Lawyers for some of the injured said they did not object to a plea deal, which would require a judge’s approval.