DRUG COURT PROVES SUCCESSFUL FOR MAN

A man who was facing up to 40 years in prison for drug charges only two
years ago is now leading a normal, happy life with his wife and daughter,
thanks to a new area judicial program.

Josh Renfroe, 24, the first graduate of the 5th Judicial District Drug
Court, made a Pope County courtroom a place of celebration instead of
tragedy Tuesday when his friends, family and the Drug Court staff came to
congratulate him for completing the program.

Renfroe was arrested in October 2003 for possession of methamphetamine with
intent to deliver, a Class Y felony punishable by 10-40 years or life in
prison. However, looking back, he said getting caught was the best thing
that ever happened to him.

"To be honest, I don't think I would have made it out of prison," Renfroe
said after his ceremony. "There is no comparison between where I was then
and where I am now."

Renfroe's wife, Dallas, said after the ceremony that Drug Court saved their
marriage, because only two years ago they were separated and talked of divorce.

In March 2004, Renfroe was one of about 15 people who opted to go through
Drug Court, which was established in the area in January 2004, instead of
going to prison. On Tuesday, about a year after his conviction, Renfroe's
charges were dismissed, and he was given a clean slate.

District Judge Dennis Sutterfield presented Renfroe with a plaque and
commended him for being willing to participate in the intensive outpatient
substance abuse program.

"This is not an easy thing to do," Sutterfield said. "It takes over a year
to complete. There's extensive counseling, extensive drug testing, and a
lot of requirements placed on these people.

"They (Drug Court participants) did not choose the easy way out. They chose
the hard way by choosing to confront their problem and deal with it. They
tried to turn things around. ... It takes courage to do that."

The Drug Court program is made up of four phases and few second chances.
Sutterfield said when Frank Richter, former program coordinator, told him
about the idea 18 months ago, he was skeptical. He said after watching the
program in action, however, his feelings have changed.

"I am convinced that this (program) will bring a positive change to the
community." Sutterfield said. "In this program, you can actually get
involved and lend a helping hand to turn people around."

Renfroe said, "It's been a rough year, but everything's great now. I never
thought I'd be off drugs, but these people gave me the opportunity to do
it. If you're willing to get off what you're doing, they will help you do it."

He said his advice to those who have the option of Drug Court would be,
"You have to want it. You have to work hard and live day by day, not think
about the past or the future."

It is important to stay away from places that would make drug use tempting,
Renfroe said, but the counselors are always available if anything becomes
too difficult.

Sutterfield and Renfroe each thanked the coordinators, counselors and
members involved in the program.

"They (Drug Court staff) have extensive contact with the people in the
program, and they can make or break it," Sutterfield said. "But I can say
with confidence that the people on this team are some of best I've worked
with. ... They really care, and that motivates them (participants) to go
the extra mile."

Members of the Drug Court staff include: District Judge John Patterson,
Sutterfield, Prosecuting Attorney David Gibbons, Public Defender James
Dunham, Probation Officer/Program Coordinator Carrie Williams, Counselor
Glenda Hubbard, Administrative Assistant Alisa Hilburn, Research Evaluator
Terri Earnest, and Sheriff Jay Winters.