Howell County Adult Treatment Court graduates 26

On April 5, 2022, the Howell County Adult Treatment Court held a ceremony to celebrate its twenty-sixth graduate from the program. The Howell County Adult Treatment Court was established in 2012 and is currently presided over by Associate Circuit Judge David Ray. Judge Ray is a strong proponent of Treatment Court and has worked diligently to see it develop and grow in Howell County. The expansion of the Treatment Court program to include the entire circuit is a priority for Presiding Circuit Judge Steve Privette. In 2018, Judge Privette extended the 37th Judicial Circuit Adult Treatment Court Program to Carter, Shannon, and Oregon Counties. The Treatment Court program supervises intensive treatment services provided to non-violent, felony drug offenders in an effort to reduce recidivism, build safer communities, and develop stronger family units by keeping families drug free and together. The Treatment Court program helps drug offenders overcome addiction to chemical substances by providing them with the educational tools necessary to maintain life-long sobriety.

Treatment Court is an alternative to traditional sentencing options, such as prison or regular probation. Referrals to Treatment Court are made by the Judge, Prosecuting Attorney, Defense Attorney, or by a Probation Officer.  Treatment Court combines intensive supervision and substance abuse counseling with frequent drug testing. Participants in Treatment Court appear before a Treatment Court Judge twice monthly where they are acknowledged for positive progress in the program, and if needed, sanctioned for negative behaviors. Treatment Court decisions are made from a team approach for each participant with the Treatment Court Judge having the final determination.

The Howell County Adult Treatment Court team consists of Associate Circuit Judge David Ray, Prosecuting Attorney Michael Hutchings, Defense Counsel Ray Williams, Probation Officer Jessica Brown, Treatment Program Director Dr. Ken Tombley, Peer Support Specialist Harley Kerley, Case Manager Jordan Land, Tracker Shawn Brunson, Court Clerk Allyson Bice, and Treatment Court Coordinator Lois Ann Price.