LIHU‘E — A Kekaha man who was removed from drug court received a full prison term Thursday in 5th Circuit Court. Anthony Keohu Harris, 39, was arrested last September for missing court dates which led to being removed from probation
LIHU‘E — A Kekaha man who was removed from drug court received a full prison term Thursday in 5th Circuit Court.
Anthony Keohu Harris, 39, was arrested last September for missing court dates which led to being removed from probation program Drug Court on Nov. 3. The change in status meant Harris would be tried on the original 2008 charges of trespassing and methamphetamine possession.
Chief Judge Randal Valenciano sentenced Harris to five years prison for the drug charge and 30 days in jail for trespassing. There is no probation and he will get credit for time served since his arrest.
Valenciano reminded Harris that he dropped two of the four charges against him at a stipulated fact trial last November. The court found Harris guilty of meth and trespassing, and not guilty on two drug paraphernalia charges.
If Harris had successfully completed Drug Court, the charges against him would have been dropped from his record. Failing the program makes it harder for the court to offer more incentives and programs.
Deputy Public Defender Christian Enright said Harris succeeded with more than 400 days of sobriety before a crippling methamphetamine addiction got the best of him. He urged the court to place Harris on a more structured track of drug court to continue fighting the addiction.
County Second Deputy Prosecutor Samuel Jajich said the state recommended six months jail and probation. He objected to another drug court based on the unsuccessful attempt, and a past record of six misdemeanor and nine petty misdemeanor offenses.
Harris is also facing family abuse and second-degree assault charges in another case set for trial on May 29.
