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The Fifth Judicial District Intensive Supervision Drug Court held its graduation
over the noon hour in Courtroom 302 of the Polk County Courthouse. Drug Court is
a comprehensive program which addresses all aspects of an addicts life. Restrictions
on residence, employment and contact with family members is typical. The ultimate
goal is long term life changes. The format of the program forces a participant to
examine personal issues and participate in any treatment or counseling to fully
address those issues.
Among those graduating are James Hobbs, David Blodgett, Richard Dameron, Melissa
Parish, Rock Browning, Jason Cowman and Amanda Kleuskens. Arthur Lee, scheduled
to graduate, was revoked from Drug Court May 28 after being arrested on a new charge
of OWI and admitting that he had been drinking the night prior to his early morning
arrest. Robert Taylor was also scheduled to graduate but was arrested on new charges
of domestic violence on June 2, 2010.
James Hobbs was admitted to Drug Court on a reconsideration of his sentence in FE172148.
He will be transferred to general supervision probation for a term of supervision
of two (2) years. David Blodgett was admitted to Drug Court on a probation violation
in FE210443. He will be transferred to general supervision probation for a term
of at least six (6) additional months.
Richard Dameron pled guilty prior to entering Drug Court in FE217615 (Burglary 3rd
Degree) and FE213600(Failure to Appear, 2 counts). He has successfully completed
all requirements in Drug Court and was sentenced June 3, 2010 to a suspended ten
(10) year sentence. He will be transferred to general supervision probation for
a term of at least six (6) additional months.
Melissa Parish, Jason Cowman and Rock Browning all entered Drug Court prior to pleading
guilty. As a condition of successful completion of the program, they each entered
a plea of guilty June 3, 2010 to unrelated charges of possession of a controlled
substance 3rd offense. In addition, Rock Browning and Melissa Parish stipulated
they had previously been convicted of two prior felonies, which enhanced their sentences
as habitual offenders. In FE219911 and FE220573, Jason Cowman pled guilty to two
offenses of possession 3rd offense. He was sentenced to two five year terms of incarceration,
consecutive, but suspended. In FE219373 Melissa Parish was sentenced and in FE221282
Rock Browning was sentenced each to a term of incarceration not to exceed fifteen
(15) years with a mandatory minimum three (3) years if they are imprisoned. The
Court suspended all sentences and placed each of the three on probation, pursuant
to plea agreement. They will each be required to submit to the Department of Corrections
supervision for a period of at least an additional six (6) months.
Amanda Kleuskens was sentenced in FE211038 on the charge of failure to affix a tax
stamp. In FE213604 she entered a plea of guilty to Burglary 2nd Degree and was sentenced.
Amanda was granted a suspended ten (10) year sentence and will supervised on probation
for an additional term of at least six (6) months.
Each graduate of Drug Court is required to complete a rigorous period of intensive
supervision and intensive substance abuse treatment. The term of the program is
at least 16 months. The average participation length of successful graduates in
over 20 months. Each graduate must have completed at least 75 hours of community
service work, gotten financially responsible with child support, taxes, victim restitution
and any other court ordered financial obligations. They must demonstrate an understanding
of the 12-steps of recovery. They must have and maintain a sponsor throughout the
course of the program. Each participant must have obtained his/her GED or completed
high school. Many begin taking college courses while in the program. Each must become
legally eligible to drive a motor vehicle, obtain his/her license and show proof
of insurance. Each must have full-time and consistent employment. The program requires
attendance at 12-step meetings at least every other day. Many participants obtain
spiritual mentors and become reconnected with the church of their choice. Those
who are graduating June 4, 2010 have maintained sobriety and abstinence from any
illegal substance for at least 12 months. Several have been sober for over two years.
All have provided urine analysis on a regular basis. Among this group of graduates
there has been only one baby born, and she was born healthy and continues to be
healthy.
On March 19, 2010, Jonathan Merryfield, FE233835, pled guilty to Possession of a
Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine, third offense, as alleged in Count I of the
Trial Information, in violation of Iowa Code Section 124.401(5), a Class D Felony.
On June 4, 2010, he came before the Court for sentencing and received a 5 year suspended
sentence and probation with the applicable $750.00 fine. This case was prosecuted
by the Polk County Attorney’s Office Drug and Gang Bureau.
Steven Shade, Jr. was sentenced in Polk County Criminal Number FECR235047 for the
crime of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver. Over the State’s
objection, the Court granted Steven Shade, Jr. a deferred judgment and placed him
on probation for a period of 5 years. The defendant was prosecuted by the Polk County
Attorney’s Office Drug and Gang Bureau.
Michael Delateur FECR233149 was sentenced to probation for Theft in the 1st Degree.
He was ordered to undergo a substance abuse evaluation and successfully complete
all recommended treatment. The Court ordered that he have No Contact with the victim.
Waylon Trusdale pled guilty to two counts of Theft in the Third Degree in Polk County
Criminal Case number FECR233440. The Court deferred judgment and placed the defendant
on probation for two years. As a condition of probation, the defendant will be required
to reimburse his victims for his thefts.
David Ullensvang pled guilty to Theft in the First Degree in Polk County Criminal
case number FECR234356. The Court imposed a prison sentence of ten years, suspended
the sentence and placed the defendant on probation for two years. As a condition
of probation, the defendant was ordered to reside at the Residential Treatment Facility
in Sheldon, Iowa and reimburse his victim for his theft.
On March 31, 2010, the jury returned a guilty verdict against Defendant Duvalmetrise
Brown on the charges of: Possession of a Controlled Substance With Intent Deliver
as alleged the Trial Information, in violation of Iowa Code Section(s) 124.401(1)(c)(3).
On June 4, 2010, Defendant Duvalmetrise Brown was sentenced to a period of incarceration
not to exceed 30 years for the charges of: Possession of a Controlled Substance
With Intent Second and Subsequent Offender, and a Habitual Offender as alleged in
the Trial Information, in violation of Iowa Code Section (s) 124.401(1)(c)(3), 124.411,
and 902.8. The defendant shall be committed to the custody of the Director of the
Iowa Department of Corrections. Duvalmetrise Brown, was prosecuted by the Polk County
Attorney’s Office Drug and Gang Bureau.
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