ABOVE: Vermilion County Drug Court graduates Jeff Drown (L) and Joe Castaneda (R) display their graduating certificates after receiving them from Associate Judge Hon. Charles D. Mockbee IV.
It was a special moment Wednesday afternoon (March 11th) in Courtroom 4B of the Rita B. Garman Vermilion County Courthouse. With Associate Judge Hon. Charles D. Mockbee IV presiding, Jeff Drown and Joe Castaneda completed their requirements, and became official graduates of the Vermilion County Drug Court Program.
Jeff Drown (1st Picture) and Joe Castaneda (3rd Picture) point out their special guests at Drug Court graduation ceremony. (2nd Picture) Drug Court graduate Kristy Powers delivers ceremony’s keynote address.
This is a treatment and specialty court, designed to reduce substance abuse disorder and related crimes in the community. Participants in this program undergo 15 to 30 months of close supervision; giving them a new chance at life through the guidance of a multidisciplinary team. This includes treatment partners, probation officers, law enforcement, the State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Public Defender’s Office.
(Middle Picture) Joe Castaneda and Jeff Drown shake hands after receiving their certificates from Judge Mockbee.
Vermilion County State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy was in attendance; along with numerous friends and family of the graduates, and Drug Court participants and alumni. Lacy stated that being part of the Drug Court team is one of the most rewarding things about her job.
AUDIO: Probably one of the best opportunities that I have; seeing the positive change in people who we once had sent to prison multiple times; are now living drug free, criminal free lives. And it’s a wonderful thing for people to be productive members of our community.
Judge Mockbee announced during the ceremony that Jeff Down’s and Joe Castaneda’s probations have been declared completed; along with the elimination of remaining fines, fees, and court costs.
