Kaleel Anthony Rickerson, in custody, appeared before Judge Thomas Stockard in the Tenth Judicial District Court on January 9. The charge was a Non-Technical Sentencing/Probation Violation of failing to complete the Western Regional Drug Court Program and failing to obtain the ordered Substance Abuse Evaluation.
Deputy District Attorney Aaron Thomas said Rickerson has fifteen violations that include testing positive for marijuana and methamphetamine, failing to show up for meetings, and failing to show up for community service. He pointed out, “Twice he was admitted into residential treatment, and twice he left before completion.” Thomas said the defendant also caused $300 worth of damage to the in-patient facility as he left. Thomas asked that probation be revoked and Rickerson serve the underlying 16–48-month prison sentences for the charges of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card or a Debit Card, and Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) of 12-36 months.
Wright Noel, with the Public Defender's Office, told Judge Stockard, “There is no question that Mr. Rickerson's behavior in the drug court was less than satisfactory.” Noel said drug court is willing to take the defendant back, citing Drug Court Judge Schumacher’s statement in which he told Rickerson, “I'm going to remove you because I think your behavior warrants it; but I'm doing it with some reluctance, because I think you have a lot of potential and there's a lot you can accomplish.” Noel said Rickerson has made restitution for the damage he did to the facility, and they are also willing to take him back. Noel asked Judge Stockard to reinstate the defendant on probation and let him complete drug court.
Rickerson agreed that the accounts given by the state and the defense were pretty accurate, telling Judge Stockard, “I know I made a lot of mistakes. I have improved a lot. I would like a chance to get help through the program.”
Judge Stockard told Rickerson, “It breaks my heart when I see people throw it away [the privilege of attending the Western Regional Drug Court program]; and that’s exactly what you did. You didn’t take it seriously.” Stockard then reinstated Rickerson on probation with the additional conditions that he will spend the next six months in the Churchill County Jail, he will return to drug court, which can extend Rickerson's probation for up to a year, and he will forfeit any earned good time credit. Stockard concluded by telling Rickerson, “I hope you take it more seriously this time. And if you don't, we’ll be back. It is unlikely you will get another opportunity like this.” Credit was given for 190 days of time served.
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