‘Breaking The Cycle’: Drug Court Programs Recognized In St. Mary’s County

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A message of accountability, recovery and second chances took center stage May 5 as the St. Mary’s County commissioners formally proclaimed May as National Drug Court Month, recognizing the life-changing work of local drug court programs.

Presented by Commissioner Scott Ostrow during the commissioners meeting, the proclamation emphasized the role drug courts play in addressing substance abuse and reducing crime through a collaborative, treatment-focused approach.

“Whereas drug courts provide the focus and leadership for community-wide anti-drug systems, bringing together criminal justice, treatment, education and other community partners in the fight against drug abuse and crime,” Ostrow read aloud from the proclamation.

The proclamation further highlighted how these programs combine “intensive judicial supervision, mandatory substance abuse treatment, and drug testing with sanctions and incentives in order to break the cycle of drug abuse and drug-related crimes.”

A Milestone Moment For Drug Court Graduates

Following the proclamation, Judge Stanalonis, who presides over the St. Mary’s County Adult Drug Court, reflected on the program’s growth and impact since its launch in 2009.

Stanalonis highlighted the program’s progress following a recent graduation ceremony. “We had nine people graduate from our program, which is the highest number for any individual graduation,” he said.

He noted that a total of 179 participants have successfully completed the program over the years, underscoring the long-term success of the initiative.

Stanalonis also thanked the commissioners for their continued support, which helps fund treatment services and drug testing for participants.

A Team Effort Across The Community

Drug court’s success, officials said, is rooted in collaboration. Stanalonis outlined the wide network of professionals involved, including representatives from the State’s Attorney’s Office, defense attorneys, law enforcement and corrections staff.

He specifically recognized team members including Linda Spates, the program coordinator, and William Raddatz, the case manager, as well as Monica Thomas and others who help guide participants through recovery.

“We talk about these people. We work with these people. They are held accountable,” Stanalonis said. “We make them get jobs, we make them do things that we hope will help them to be productive and to stop the cycle of going through the criminal justice system.”

Also present and supporting the program were individuals such as Jaymi Sterling, Lisa Ridge and Kristie Ardire, along with law enforcement and treatment partners.

Family Recovery Court Expands Support To Families

In addition to adult drug court, officials highlighted the growing impact of the county’s Family Recovery Court, led by Magistrate Armitage with support from Bambii Willman, the program’s coordinator.

“It’s my privilege to be the overseer of the family recovery court,” Armitage said. “That court provides services to individuals in family law cases… where people are suffering either from addiction issues or mental health issues.”

The program focuses on helping participants rebuild family stability, particularly in custody and divorce cases.

“Our hope is that we’re able to help people with addiction and mental health issues so that they can reconcile with their children and provide a better home life,” Armitage added.

Since joining the program nine months ago, Armitage said participation has grown significantly.

“Over the last year, we’ve gone from seven participants to… 29 participants. That tells you the need in family law courts.”

Willman, described as working “hands on in the trenches every day,” plays a critical role in guiding participants through the process.

Commitment To Recovery And Public Safety

Also speaking briefly was Agent Bradford from the Division of Parole and Probation, who expressed pride in being part of the program and echoed support for its mission.

The proclamation concluded with a call to increase public awareness and recognize the professionals and participants who make drug courts successful.

“St. Mary’s County is proud to recognize those who make drug courts work and the significant contributions that drug courts have made and continue to make in reducing drug usage and criminal behavior,” Ostrow read.

As the county marks National Drug Court Month, officials emphasized that behind every statistic is a story of recovery — one built through structure, support and a community committed to helping individuals reclaim their lives.

You can watch the full proclamation below at 10:44.

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