Patricia Ann Hetz
La Plata, MD – Patricia Ann Hetz, 48 of Port Tobacco, has been in and out of Charles County Circuit Court Judge Helen I. Harrington’s courtroom many times in the past year. Tuesday, Jan. 12, she was back before the judge on yet another violation of probation.
Harrington warned her to get in a recovery program by Thursday or face the consequences. Now it’s up to her.
Charles County Assistant State’s Attorney Jeremy Widder stated Getz was on probation for conspiracy to distribute heroin.
“She admitted she was selling heroin,” Widder said, and added that the 18 months capped sentence was because the state’s attorney’s office was under the impression that it was the defendant’s first drug offense. Since her original sentencing July 20, 2015, however, it was discovered she had a previous distribution conviction from 2008 in Alleghany County.
“We weren’t aware of the prior offense,” Widder explained. “She already admitted she tested positive for heroin Oct. 8. She’s looking at 20 years and she promptly proceeded to test positive. In November 2015, she failed to appear. She was picked up in December. This is somebody who was convicted of diverting other people’s recovery. She’s a drug dealer and she should be behind bars.”
Charles County Public Defender John Getz said, “there’s no evidence she’s dealing now.”
Getz admitted his client has mental health issues.
“I talked to intake at Warwick Manor [in New Market] and they said this case would not affect any treatment,” he said.
“What is the point of getting into Warwick?” Harrington asked.
“I’d like to get in a program,” Hetz replied. “I can’t do it on my own. I’m not dealing drugs. I have an addiction. I’m requesting this time to be put in a program. I just want help.”
Harrington told Hetz she would give her until Thursday to get into a program.
“You have to have a bed somewhere,” she said.
“Or else you know where that will be,” Getz warned his client. “Crain Highway [Charles County Detention Center].”
Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com
