Drug Court Graduation

The Fifth Judicial District Intensive Supervision Drug Court held its graduation June 4, 2010 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 Arthur Lee, scheduled to graduate, was revoked from Drug Court May 28 after being arrested on a new charge of OWI and admitting that he had been drinking the night prior to his early morning arrest.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.