INAUGURAL PARTICIPANT GRADUATES DRUG COURT

FREDERICK -- Dwight Thompson's grown daughters cried in Frederick
County Circuit Court as they realized their father's decades of
cocaine use had come to an end.

Thompson's daughters and granddaughters were among dozens gathered
Thursday to witness his graduation from Frederick County Drug
Treatment Court.

The three-phase program is targeted toward helping nonviolent adult
repeat offenders who have tried to quit using drugs but failed.

"We got our dad back," Tameka Thompson said, choking back sobs as she
rose from her front-row seat.

"He's been gone a long time. Now he's back in our lives, and he's
back in the lives of our children," she said, thanking drug court for
helping her father, 55, kick his 20-year habit.

Thompson's graduation marked a milestone for the founding members of
drug court, including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys and case
workers.

After drug court was launched two years ago, Thompson was the first
person selected to enroll. He entered the program May 27, 2005.

Thompson is the second participant to complete the program; Minta
Floyd preceded him by about four months.

"This is a special day for all of us because you were the first
person who entered Frederick County Drug Treatment Court," said Judge
Julie Stevenson Solt.

"You are proof that, 'Yes, it can happen,'" Solt said. "You can
actually graduate from drug court."

Of 36 participants, two have graduated and 29 are making their way
through the program, said Paul Wolford, drug court coordinator. Five
have been expelled.

Referred to drug court by defense attorneys, treatment programs and
district court judges, candidates are limited to county residents
whose crimes occurred locally.

To be accepted, participants must admit they have a substance abuse
problem and be willing to comply with intense treatment, supervision
and frequent drug testing. Participants often are required to do
community service and must sign a contract that spells out what is
expected of them.

Voluntarily enrolling in drug court means the defendant admits guilt
and charges are not immediately adjudicated. If the participant
completes the program, the charges may be reduced. If not, the
criminal case goes straight to sentencing.

Thompson stumbled throughout the process, failing to keep
appointments, "basic hardheadedness," Wolford said. "He wasn't
allowing our offers of help to sink in.

"Eventually, he came around."

Thompson told the members of drug court he considered them all
family. He thanked them for treating him like a human being.

"Overcoming addiction is a struggle. It's hard," he said. "But if I
can do it, anybody can."

Thompson's daughter, Sabrina Hoy, praised God and drug court for
freeing her father from demons that have plagued him throughout his
children's lives.

"With God's will behind him and your program, we'll continue to be
blessed," Hoy said.

"I'm proud of you, Daddy," she said through tears.