Thomas Slate and Aleah Wolsey recently appeared in court for violating the terms of their probation. Slate was sent to carry out an underlying 19-48 month prison sentence and Wolsey was given one more chance at probation.
Aseah Wolsey
Wolsey pleaded guilty to a felony possession of a controlled substance charge earlier this year in March, but circumstances allowed him to file for a diversion program under Nevada law. Judge Michael Montero approved the diversion program and gave him the opportunity to avoid a felony conviction by completing three years of probation, along with obtaining an alcohol evaluation and completing the recommendations of the evaluation.
Wolsey recently appeared back in court, admitting to violating more than 10 different rules of his probation terms, including controlled substances. At 19 years old, Wolsey faced the potential of a felony conviction and the possibility of being sent to prison.
His legal counsel, Alternate Public Defender Maureen McQuillan said that for Wolsey, things were not so black and white regarding his probation violations. She pointed out that he was living with his father when his father was working out of town and they were forced to move and he “didn’t get around to reporting the residence.”
She also said that he did receive the ordered substance abuse evaluation and followed up with four or five follow-up sessions, but that perhaps he should have enrolled himself in the Family Support Center. McQuillan asked that her client have another chance to complete a substance evaluation and follow through with treatment.
Wolsey said he would like to continue with treatment, and specifically requested outpatient treatment to be home and closer to his support center.
“I’m not going to stand here and give excuses, I messed up even though it’s hard to admit,” said Woosley. “I have a problem and its hard to address those problems.
Montero rescinded the diversion program, leaving Wolsey with a felony conviction at 19 years old and the possibility of going to prison.
Wolsey was ordered to pay $153 for DNA analysis and collection, $25 administrative assessment and $250 public defender fee. He was given the maximum sentence on the felony charge, 19-48 months in prison, with credit for time served of 113 days.
“Parole and probation recommends that you receive some treatment, and I’m hesitant,” said Montero to Wolsey. “But since I’m giving you the maximum sentence today, we’re going to try.”
Wolsey was ordered to complete the Humboldt County Drug Court Program as part of his 48-month probation terms. Other terms of Wolsey’s probation include the prohibition of alcohol, controlled substances, inhalants, over the counter medications, bars, liquor stores, casinos, smoke shops, vape shops and dispensaries.
“If you fail to successfully complete it (drug court) or any other terms of probation, your probation will be revoked and you’ll be going to prison for the maximum sentence,” said Montero.
Thomas Slate
Slate was also convicted of possession of a controlled substance, a category E felony earlier this year in March and was sentenced to 19-48 months in prison. The court suspended the sentence and placed him on probation for three years, giving him the chance to avoid prison.
In July Slate appeared back in court, admitting to several probation violations. Judge Michael Montero hesitantly gave him one more chance to be successful in abiding by the terms of his probation, adding the requirement that Slate immediately begin and successfully complete the Humboldt County Drug Court program.
Slate was arrested again in September, with more probation violations. He appeared before Montero in October and admitted to several probation violations including reporting, residence, out of state travel and financial obligations.
At age 32, Slate has three prior felonies. Deputy District Attorney Richard Haas recommended that the court rescind probation and send Slate to prison to carry out his sentence.
Slate’s attorney, Public Defender Matthew Stermitz, asked for Slate to be given the chance to continue drug court.
“Every man has the right to go to hell in the manner of their own choosing. Fortunately, we have drug court and other programming to help people who are slowly going to hell with drug and alcohol abuse,”’ said Stermitz. “I’m asking for drug court for Mr. Slate to keep him alive and keep him sober.”
Slate also asked the court for yet another chance at probation, stating he had recently found out that an elderly relative has a serious illness and that he doesn’t think she is going to “be around much longer and would like to be out to see her.”
“I was being reckless and flat arrogant and stupid, I was trying to live life” said Slate.
Montero revoked Slate’s probation, sending him to prison to carry out the original sentence, with credit for time served of 151 days.
“I gave you a chance and you squandered it,” said Montero.
Wolsey was still in the courtroom when Slate was ordered to prison. Both individuals now have the same felony conviction, one ran out of chances at completing probation and went to prison, the other still has the chance to avoid prison.
