At just 18 years of age, Aseah Wolsey faced a possible felony charge of possession of a controlled substance in Judge Michael Montero’s district court on April 24, a charge for which he previously pleaded guilty to on March 6.
Public Defender Maureen McQuillan who represented Wolsey, presented to the court that he was eligible for a suspended sentence and entry into the adult drug court program, for which that application was filed. McQuillan acknowledged the fact that Wolsey shows quite a bit of criminal history in his juvenile years, although he hadn’t been in trouble in two years, didn’t have any violent crimes in his past and had previously completed the requirements of his punishments.
“I know that it’s time to grow up. I’m ready and I would like to do good and prove to everyone that I can do good if I’m given the opportunity to be on your program,” said Wolsey to the court.
Montero said it was rather troubling that Wolsey had eight original offenses for which he was originally arrested at 18 years old, combined with his prior juvenile record. He decided to grant the diversion program but stated he was doing so with “significant reservation.”
“I’m not giving you drug court, I don’t believe that under the circumstances of this crime you deserve that opportunity, which is pretty significant for me to say that in court,” said Montero. “If you want to prove to us that you are worthy of a program such as the drug court, hopefully you’ll never have to be before me and say that.”
Wolsey was ordered to complete a substance abuse evaluation within 45 days of the sentencing and to immediately pursue the recommended treatment program to successfully complete the program. He was also ordered to pay $3 DNA collection fee, $25 administrative assessment, $60 forensic fee and $250 public defender fee.
Wolsey will be on formal probation for three years with special conditions including completely abstaining from the use, consumption, purchase or possession of any alcohol or any controlled substances, poisons or solvents and over the counter medications that contain alcohol or narcotics unless prescribed by a licensed medical professional and approved by his probation officer. He was ordered not to enter any places where alcohol is the primary source of revenue including cocktail lounges, bars, liquor stores and casinos, adding that Wolsey isn’t even old enough to go to those places to begin with. He is not to be in any smoke shop, vape shop or dispensary.
“Good luck to you. If you successfully complete your probation you may return to this court and have your guilty plea withdrawn,” said Montero. “If you fail your probation I will send you to prison.”
