La Plata, MD – It’s never a good idea to violate the terms of your probation.
That was the lesson learned by Derek Williamson, 46 of La Plata, as he appeared before Charles County Circuit Court Judge Any J. Bragunier Thursday, Aug. 20 for sentencing reconsideration.
“Mr. Williamson was sentenced to 18 months with work release,” Charles County Assistant Public Defender Michele Harewood told Bragunier.
“The court gave him a chance to have his sentence reconsidered if he entered a substance abuse program,” Harewood added. “Agent Griffin [of the Charles County Parole and Probation Office] made an attempt to get him in a program. He did not report.
“When he did report, he was told the class was full,” she said. “He is waiting on a starting date.”
“He didn’t do what you asked him to do,” said Charles County Assistant State’s Attorney Tiffany Campbell. “The state is asking for his sentenced to begin today.”
“He has had more than several opportunities,” the agent told the court. “Classes did start. There are three starting now that he did not enroll in.”
Bragunier agreed with the state. The defendant was placed in handcuffs and told that he would serve the full term of 18 months and that he was to enroll in jail-based treatment for substance abuse.
Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com