John Johnson File photo: Judge Travis W. Ragland sentenced probation violators to two and a half years in prison.

by John Johnson

jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com

Safford – A man has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for failing to stop using illegal drugs while on probation.

During the legal and petition proceedings last Tuesday, Graham County Superior Court Judge Pro Tem Travis W. Ragland witnessed countless defendants who have filed motions to have their probation revoked for illegal drug use. bottom.

After the former defendant was put back on probation after serving just 30 days in prison, 37-year-old Ryan Thomas stood before Judge Ragland and asked for another chance at probation.

However, unlike the previous defendant, the Graham County Probation Service recommended a prison sentence for Thomas after he was unable to avoid illegal drugs despite numerous programs and attempts at rehabilitation.

Thomas had a previous plea bargain, pleading guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of weapons (brass knuckles and a butterfly knife) by a contraband. His petition dismissed his drug possession and DUI charges. Thomas was already on probation for aggravated DUI since 2020 when new charges were filed in 2021. He also struck a plea bargain in 2020 for possession of drug paraphernalia and dismissed another charge of dangerous drug possession. He has filed multiple petitions to have his probation revoked, and both prosecutors and the probation service have demanded an estimated two-and-a-half years in prison for Thomas.

Graham County Deputy County Attorney Garrett Cartner presided over the prosecution, and Daisy Flores represented Thomas’ defense attorney.

Kerchner argued that Thomas would have to be imprisoned from now on because he had burned all his chances of sobriety outdoors.

“The probation officer has tried very hard to get the defendant to help, but each time the defendant thanked the probation officer, said he was going to do better, and then turned around and tested positive. ” said Kerchner. “So, based on the fact that probation is not effective for the individual at this time, I believe that some form of incarceration is necessary at this time to help defendants on probation.”

Flores said Thomas was employed with the support of his family and asked to be reinstated while on probation.

Thomas himself addressed the court and asked for another chance at rehab.

“The truth is that I lack the discretion to make good decisions when faced with difficult situations in everyday life,” Thomas said. “Ever since I can remember, drugs have been my way of coping and coping with life’s problems. I was not human enough to admit my shortcomings.I do not have the courage to ask for help.The help I need.Today I want to give you the opportunity to ask for and receive help without fear of being rejected. Please grant my wish for a better way of life.”

The Graham County Probation Service said in court that Thomas appeared sincere when he was released, but that he kept failing drug tests despite saying he would work on rehab.

The probation officer said, “This time it is not suitable for probation.”

Judge Ragland then sentenced Thomas to two-and-a-half years in prison, with three years of standard supervised probation after his release. Thomas was also given credit for his 198 days already in service.

“Mr. Thomas, I think you can be successful, but I’m not sure you’re still taking this seriously and being mindful of health issues and other aspects,” Ragland said. said the judge.