Although there have been some success stories with the Reno County Drug Court, there are also some failures.
One such individual appeared in front of Judge Joe McCarville Thursday morning where the judge discharged him from drug court because he failed to appear, basically absconded.
22-year-old Jacob Elzey was arrested on a warrant after a traffic stop and told the judge he didn’t appear because he was afraid of going to prison. He was apparently hanging with people who were doing drugs. He said he eventually started back with an old girlfriend and claimed that she got him away from drugs and others who use. He wanted another chance in drug court, but Deputy District Attorney Tom Stanton was against it. He says we have heard these arguments before, after he absconded one other time.
Elzey told the judge he was afraid he would go to prison because of using drugs, that’s why he didn’t come to the court, but the judge seemed stumped by that because Elzey has been in the court for over a year and knows they don’t send those in the court to prison for a relapse. They may face some sanction, but not prison.
What also didn’t help his cause is the fact that he told the judge that he had gotten away from those who use drugs and alcohol, yet prior to the hearing some of his friends were in the courtroom and were discussing getting drunk a few days prior to the hearing. Little did they know that his corrections officer was in the courtroom. She then told the judge of what she heard.
Judge McCarville discharged him from Drug Court meaning that he’ll now face a probation violation for his convictions for possession of drugs, and interference with law enforcement. He’s looking at around 3-years in prison. His next hearing will be on February 14.
They will have a graduation of some individuals who have completed the drug court on February 18.