LIHU‘E — A Lihu‘e man was sentenced to a year in jail and given another shot at probation Tuesday in 5th Circuit Court. Armando Langgas Medina, 47, was facing re-sentencing in two cases involving second-degree theft and drug charges. He
LIHU‘E — A Lihu‘e man was sentenced to a year in jail and given another shot at probation Tuesday in 5th Circuit Court.
Armando Langgas Medina, 47, was facing re-sentencing in two cases involving second-degree theft and drug charges.
He was on probation but a revocation was filed for failing drug testing and other requirements.
Defense attorney Caren Dennemeyer said Medina was accepted into the Drug Court program and that he would do well with a long-term residential treatment program and probation following his jail sentence.
County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Lisa Arin said the state recommended an open prison sentence based on failed probation and drug testing.
Chief Judge Randal Valenciano said the Drug Court staff and probation department has agreed to work with Medina over his own doubts.
He said that Medina’s heart condition should have been enough incentive to stop using the drugs that are killing him.
Valenciano said the terms of Drug Court and probation would be strict and that should the state bring Medina back for failure to comply the court would act accordingly. He told the defendant to take advantage of the opportunity.
