Henderson County officials and members of the local judicial system agree that a drug court or a similar program here would be beneficial, and County Judge-executive Sandy Watkins is among those pushing for more movement on that front. One group is preparing to seek funding for an adult drug court that would provide an alternative to incarceration for some nonviolent offenders. But others say that with or without state or federal funding, it's time to "jump start" a drug court or treatment program in Henderson County. [continues 743 words]
It starts with a little shopping at a local store. A 38-year-old father of two makes the rounds picking up ingredients used to make meth. He is spotted by employees trained to look for this activity and city police are notified. A squad car soon arrives and the suspect is taken into custody and his vehicle searched. Officers seize a meth lab, a quantity of meth and the items the man has just purchased to make more of the illegal drug. [continues 808 words]
Daviess Circuit Judge Thomas Castlen says drug court has been so successful that many "tough cops" are now referring people to the program. Daviess County Sheriff's Detective Sgt. Jim Acquisto is one of those cops. "I think it's great. I was involved in some of the original meetings. I got some insight into other (drug courts) around the country," he said. Daviess County's drug court has been running since 2000 when it started as a pilot project. The program really took off in November of 2000 when Drug Court Coordinator Lora McCarty was hired. [continues 324 words]
At first the courtroom had the atmosphere of a high school homeroom. Some engaged in animated conversation. Others sat quietly listening to the chatter. And a few did not interact but stared at their feet, the ceiling or toward the judge's bench. Then Circuit Judge Thomas Castlen took the bench and members of the Daviess County Drug Court team settled at a table to the right of the judge. Again the atmosphere changed. This time it was a mixture of apprehension and anticipation as the group of more than 20 people -- of all ages and backgrounds -- waited for the weekly session of drug court to begin. [continues 1204 words]
A local probation and parole officer has been charged with drug trafficking and possession. According to Kentucky State Police, charges of trafficking in a legend drug, firearm enhanced (first offense) and third-degree possession of a controlled substance were filed Friday in Henderson County against 40-year-old Henderson resident Jennifer Ann Kizer. Trafficking in a legend drug, firearm enhanced is a felony. Firearm enhanced means that when a gun is present during certain crimes it will increase the seriousness of the charge. [continues 299 words]
Commonwealth's Attorney Bill Markwell admits he was at first more than a little skeptical of the idea of an adult drug court that offers certain offenders an alternative to incarceration. "Initially, I looked at it as a social services solution to a criminal problem," he said. "I did not think it would work." Neither did Henderson Circuit Court Judge Stephen Hayden. "I thought it may be a slap on the wrist and you just send people on their way," Hayden said. [continues 788 words]
During May's session of the Henderson County grand jury, 31 cases were brought before the panel. Of those cases, roughly 27 were drug related -- directly or indirectly, said Commonwealth's Attorney Bill Markwell. Some people are charged with straight drug offenses, he said. But other charges, such as burglaries, thefts or forged checks, are also related to drugs when people commit these crimes to feed their habit, he said. "We have a real problem in our community with the availability of drugs," he said. "A lot of people are addicted and they become non-productive in society." [continues 464 words]
They don't want to "reinvent the wheel," but they do want to redirect kids toward a better future. A panel of 10 people, including individuals with the school system and court officials, is working to establish a teen drug court in Henderson County. Teen drug court is rehabilitation program that takes young people between the ages of 13 and 17 who have been charged with a crime and offers them a chance to learn how to live a drug-free life and to expunge their record. [continues 1050 words]
HOPKINSVILLE -- It's not just about meth anymore. Narcotics officers and other law-enforcement personnel from western Kentucky who are trained to handle methamphetamine labs spent three days in Hopkinsville this week taking that education to another level. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force and the U.S. Attorney's Office sponsored the seminar to certify officers to deal with scenes involving weapons of mass destruction -- including anthrax and small pox. Henderson Police Sgt. David Piller and Officer Terry McKibben attended the sessions. [continues 552 words]
