The intersection of drugs, crime and addiction was explored Tuesday by law enforcement, the courts and recovering addicts in a public forum staged at Bellefontaine High School.
Logan County Common Pleas Court Judge William T. Goslee discusses various sentencing and treatment options afforded criminal defendants charged with felony-level drug crimes Tuesday during a forum at Bellefontaine High School. (EXAMINER PHOTOS | NATE SMITH)
A majority of the crimes committed in Logan County these days are in some way related to drug and/or addiction, Bellefontaine Police Chief Brandon Standley and Logan County Common Pleas Court Judge William T. Goslee said. That fact influences the way police conduct investigations, as well as how those crimes are adjudicated in court, the police chief and judge said.
The event was presented as a continuing education opportunity for participants in the Bellefontaine Citizen Police Academy. Chief Standley spoke about the influx of drugs, especially heroin and methamphetamine in the community, and Judge Goslee outlined various treatment and penal options utilized by the court.
Attendees on Tuesday also heard from five participants in the Logan County adult recovery court working their way toward sobriety and gainful employment.
“Adult recovery court is not the reason that I am clean and sober today, because I am the only person responsible for my recovery, but the court has given me the structure and opportunity I need to make that happen,” Nicole Boltz told those gathered.
NICOLE BOLTZ
She had been charged with three felonies, and battled drug addiction for years, she said, but is clean now and rebuilding her life.
Leiah Lehman also spoke. She celebrates one-year sober this week and credits the adult drug courts with assisting in her recovery.
“Adult recovery courts gave me the structure and accountability I need to get clean and sober,” she said.
LEIAH LEHMAN
Judge Goslee outlined primary goals for recovering addicts making their way through the adult recovery program.
“We want them to get their GED or high school diploma if they don’t already have it; get a job; and secure a driver’s license and insurance,” he said. “Basically functioning as a normal person, doing normal things.”
The balance is delicate between getting addicts treatment for their addiction and holding them accountable for alleged crimes they may have committed, Judge Goslee related.
“We have literally had people overdose while they’re out on bond,” he said.
The judge discussed the “interesting tension” between prosecutors and defense attorneys representing their clients — criminal defendants that are presumed innocent under the law.
“I have told defense attorneys that, without passing judgment on the guilt or innocence of their client, if they are an addict and need treatment, then let’s get them in treatment,” Judge Goslee said. “There are times when holding the state to its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt actually puts their client in more danger.”
Chief Standley said his department is, “constantly working through mental health and addiction.”
POLICE CHIEF BRANDON STANDLEY
He said each officer goes through Critical Incident Team training with mental health professionals that help them deal with addicts or mentally ill individuals in the throes of an episode.
Community policing, and making connections with residents and business owners throughout the city are major points of emphasis for officers, the police chief said.
“We want our officers making connections and reaching kids, and we work hard at that,” he said.
The best way to reduce the scourge of drugs in the community is to reduce the market for it, and that means reaching kids early on, Chief Standley said.