BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Drug court participants, judges, prosecutors, defenders, family and friends gathered May 30 for what Judge John Chafin said was the favorite part of his job – drug court graduation day.

Chafin and Judges Brett Butcher and Kevin Holbrook congratulated and gifted nine graduates in the courtroom in Inez.

Butcher introduced graduates Brad Day, James Patrick, Regina Cline, Josh Brunty, Annie Maynard, Paul Jones, William Tomlin, Shyanna May and Jessie Vanhoose.

A drug possession charge and long-term addiction brought Brad Day to Special Court Jan. 4, 2020. Initially, he believed he would never complete the program, thinking it was set up for failure and too hard. He changed his mind and will tell you that drug court has given him a life without drugs and the support he needed “to find his sober self.”

“I spent most of my life in and out of prison until I got this charge and was given one option: Treatment and drug court,” Day said. “It’s the best thing that could have happened to me… Now I’m a completely different person.”

James Patrick accepted the program July 21, 2020, to get out of jail. Since then he’s learned structure, responsibility and confidence. Most importantly, he learned that he could live without drugs.

Patrick completed treatment, purchased a vehicle and attained housing. He helped other participants with transportation and program obligations and participated in several projects in Martin, Johnson and Lawrence counties. He also welcomed a healthy, happy baby boy.

“Drug court has helped me get my trust back in my family,” Patrick said. “I have great parents.”

Patrick said everyone in the program supported him and was a team player, especially the prosecutor Matt Runyons who made him “feel like a person.”

Regina Cline was made about drug court when she joined June 2, 2021, but she found purpose and is living a productive and sober life. She learned it is possible to have a life without drugs.

During Cline’s time in the program, she completed treatment, peer support training and gained employment and housing.

Josh Brunty thought drug court was his ticket out of jail when he joined Aug. 20, 2021, but he figured he would never graduate. Now he credits the program with teaching him a new way of life.

“As time went on and I met my requirements, it got easier,” Brunty said. “Phase 1 is terrible. I didn’t think I would make it, but they stood behind me, and here I am today.

Annie Maynard was upset about being in drug court when she joined Sept. 9, 2021, but she knew something had to change. Since joining, she has found a purpose and a chance to be a mother. She gave it her best, learned to be patient and responsible, and how to manage symptoms that caused her to turn to drugs. She completed DUI classes, paid off her fines, made positive commitments and reunited with her family.

“You get what you put into it,” Maynard said. “Phase 1 is the hardest. I didn’t think I would make it, so hang in there.”

Paul Jones was sure he would fail when he joined drug court Sept. 30, 2021, but he has a new life and outlook. He attained his driver’s license, bought a vehicle, got a job and paid his child support during his time in the program.

“It helped me more than I thought it would,” Jones said. “It was an opportunity to do something with my life. I appreciate everything everyone has done for me. It made me a different person.”

William Tomlin wanted help but was nervous when he started drug court Oct. 1, 2021. His life has changed for the better.

Tomlin learned there is life after addiction. He attained housing, started remodeling his home, addressed his health needs, and established his own business.

“These girls helped me a lot, and I appreciate it,” a tearful Tomlin said.

Shyanna May thought quitting drugs would be impossible when she joined drug court Oct. 12, 2021. Instead, the program has provided her with a toolbox for life, showing her what to use and when and where. It gave her back her soul and will to live. She learned she never has to do drugs again to cope with emotions.

May got her GED, driver’s license and stable housing. She works at the local treatment center.

“Drug court gave me the life I needed and taught me how to live it,” May said.

Jessie Vanhoose was not interested when he joined drug court Nov. 30, 2021. However, through the program, he learned accountability. He decided he wanted a different lifestyle and did not want to return to jail.

Vanhoose has spent countless hours working with the Johnson County jailer and won an award for community service. 

Judge Holbrook closed the ceremony by saying he was proud of the program. He pointed out that drug court started in Martin County with a pilot program in 2003 with three participants.

“We didn’t know what was going to happen with it,” Holbrook said. “Really, back then, drug court was considered soft on crime. As it evolved, people realized it wasn’t a get-out-jail card.” 

He encouraged family and friends of the participants to be proud and continue to accept who they are.

“You’re a different person but still the same person at the same time,” he told the graduates. “Everybody is going to have their ups and downs going forward, and everyone will need support. None of us are alone or should feel alone. If any of you should ever need us, you ask.”