INDIANA CO., Pa. (EYT) – Indiana County District Attorney Bob Manzi has announced that a treatment-focused diversion program for first-time offenders had its first graduate.
In early 2022, the Armstrong-Indiana-Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission (AICDAC) and the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office were awarded a grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to help provide early drug and alcohol treatment to first-time offenders charged with less serious offenses.
In this program, defendants charged with misdemeanor offenses related to a drug and alcohol issue complete a drug and alcohol assessment at the AICDAC and follow all treatment recommendations. Further, they complete evidence-based treatment programs related to their specific offense, such as anger management. The defendants pay restitution to the victim, all court costs, and complete community service.
This week, the first defendant who entered the program became the first defendant to successfully complete the program.
In March, a defendant charged with a low-level misdemeanor offense applied to participate in the program. The victim, arresting officer, and the District Attorney’s office approved the admission. The defendant (whose name was not released) completed the recommended drug and alcohol treatment along with all of the other conditions, and their case was discharged.
This evidence-based program provides specific treatment for each defendant during their first arrest. The goal is that each successful graduate address the issue that brought them before the Court and they never appear in the criminal justice system again. The defendant can move forward in their life in a better way. The victim of the crime is made whole and there are no further victims down the road.
“This program is a win-win-win for our community. First, defendants address their issues and are less likely to commit further crimes. Secondly, victims are made whole quickly and have a say in the consequences for the defendant. Lastly, this program will reduce crime in Indiana County and will result in lower costs for the taxpayers related to the criminal justice system” said District Attorney Bob Manzi. “I appreciate all of the hard work that the Armstrong-Indiana-Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission provides for Indiana County. This program would not be possible without them,” Manzi said.
If you or a loved one is seeking drug or alcohol treatment, you can contact the Armstrong-Indiana-Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission at 724-463-7860.
