La Plata, MD – Edward Thomas Everstine, 24 of Indian Head, was before Charles County Circuit Court Judge Helen I. Harrington Monday, March 2 for violating his probation.

Charles County Assistant State’s Attorney Jared I. Arnold told the court Everstine failed to report to his probation officer as directed by Judge Amy J. Bragunier. He said Everstine did not report May 29, June 2 and June 24.

“When he did report, urinalysis tested positive for morphine,” Arnold said.

Everstine’s attorney, Hammad S. Matin, said his client became addicted to morphine after suffering internal injuries in a “horrendous” car accident.

“He was not driving,” Matin said. “He was a passenger in the car and suffered life-threatening injuries to his internal organs.”

Matin added his client was prescribed the drug when he was hospitalized.

“His accident led him to have an addiction problem,” he said. “This is the longest time he’s been locked up. He’s been in jail since his arrest on violation of probation charges last July. I would hope your honor considers eight months to be sufficient punishment and will close out this case.”

The defendant had opportunities for employment in Florida, Matin said, adding that, “while I realize you can’t really run from your problem, this was a case that kept being continued for something of a relatively minor nature.”

Charles County Public Defender John Getz, representing Everstine on the second of two charges, also asked the court to consider “222 days to be enough.

“He’s been incarcerated since July,” Getz said. “Certainly, he has a good start. He’s been clean for eight months now.”

Arnold countered that there were theft and destruction of property charges in the defendant’s past.

“That all shrieks of irresponsible behavior,” he said.

Harrington was unsympathetic this time. There were two charges for violating probation and she sentenced the young man to two concurrent 18 month sentences.

“You will receive credit for 222 days,” she told Everstine. “You are also to participate in the jail-based drug treatment program and you will be on probation again upon your release.”

Walter Leon Skinner

Walter Leon Skinner, 24 of Brandywine, was sentenced Tuesday, March 3 by Charles County Circuit Court Judge Helen I. Harrington on two violation of probation charges during a plea agreement.

Skinner will face a year in the Charles County Detention Center. He was granted work release.

Ben Evan, attorney for the defendant, told the court Skinner’s probationary status was scheduled to terminate in 2016.

“This is a one-year sentence,” Harrington said. “Probation is on hold while he is incarcerated. It will begin again upon his release. Until then,” the judge warned, “he is to follow all work-related instructions. If I hear you’re reporting late or reporting under the influence of alcohol or drugs, your work release will be violated. You won’t get it again.”

Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com