MAN GETS DRUG HELP INSTEAD OF JAIL TIME

WAILUKU -- Facing up to 180 years in prison for stealing cars and other
valuables and possessing drugs during a string of crimes last year, a
32-year-old man was instead ordered to undergo drug treatment as he was
sentenced to five years' probation Wednesday.

Jeffrey Canto was also ordered to serve a one-year jail term. But 2nd
Circuit Judge Joel August, following a plea agreement between the defense
and prosecution, said Canto could be released from jail to enter the
Habilitat residential drug treatment program on Oahu.

"On the one hand, I'm astounded at the number of charges and the potential
jail time you are facing," August told Canto. "I'm somewhat surprised at the
willingness of the prosecutor's office to give you a chance to rehabilitate
yourself."

Deputy Prosecutor Robert Rivera said the prosecution agreed to the deal
because of a new law requiring treatment and probation for first-time
nonviolent drug offenders who aren't charged with selling or manufacturing
drugs.

Rivera acknowledged that "this defendant at least has demonstrated the
proper attitude -- remorse and regret for his actions."

Canto pleaded no contest to 34 charges, 24 of them felonies. The charges
include two counts of first-degree criminal trespassing, resisting arrest,
five counts of vehicle theft, seven counts of second-degree theft,
possessing burglar's tools, two counts of third-degree promotion of a
dangerous drug, two counts of possessing drug paraphernalia, third-degree
promotion of a detrimental drug, four counts of second-degree criminal
property damage, inattention to driving, two counts of fourth-degree theft,
fraudulent use of license plates, first-degree bail jumping, two counts of
credit card theft, first-degree theft and driving under the influence of
alcohol.

The charges date to December 2001 when he was seen driving a stolen 1995
Ford sedan that was damaged and had fraudulent license plates.

The following month, police found him sleeping in a stolen 2001 Dodge Dakota
pickup truck parked on Haawina Street in Paia. Part of the truck had been
spray-painted in a color matching paint seen on Canto's hand, according to
police. Stolen credit cards were also found in the truck.

After failing to show up for an April 2002 court hearing, Canto was arrested
Sept. 3 at Kahana Villas when police said he ran into a unit occupied by a
tourist, struggled with officers and fled. He was captured nearby. Officers
recovered the tailgate and bumper from a stolen Toyota pickup truck in a
stolen red 1985 Suzuki Jeep that Canto and co-defendant Leland Pua Akau had
left parked across the street from the complex on Lower Honoapiilani Road.

Police also found marijuana, crystal methamphetamine residue and drug
paraphernalia.

"All of these crimes were drug based," said Deputy Public Defender Greg
Ball. "They were all to support an out-of-control, raging drug habit."

In court Wednesday, Canto acknowledged having a drug addiction that began
with him smoking marijuana daily since 1994 and continued when he started
using crystal methamphetamine in 1997.

"There came a point, while being incarcerated, where I accepted the fact
that I don't think I was arrested -- I was rescued," he said. "I'm looking
forward to getting the chance to go to Habilitat. It's going to be the
hardest thing I'll ever accomplish in my life."

Rivera noted that Canto has committed crimes on all parts of the island
except Hana.

"He was working day and night, night and day to commit all of these crimes,"
Rivera said. "If Mr. Canto puts as much effort into his rehabilitation and
Habilitat as he did in committing all these crimes, he should be
successful."

August also ordered Canto to perform 200 hours of community service and pay
$6,635 in restitution as part of his probation. If he successfully completes
the drug treatment program, he can ask to have the rest of his jail time
suspended, August said. He ordered Canto to return to Maui to serve the rest
of his jail time if he fails the program.