Asaeh James Wolsey was sent to prison in a recent court hearing, after being given multiple chances to avoid the felony through substance abuse recovery programs. In his probation violation hearing, he asked for yet another chance at a recovery program.
Wolsey was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and later granted a diversion program, giving him the opportunity to avoid a felony conviction at 18-years of age by completing the conditions of his formal probation.
The formal probation ordered that Wolsey obtain a substance abuse evaluation and complete the recommendations of the evaluation. He later appeared in court and admitted to violating over ten of the conditions of his probation, including using controlled substances and intoxicants.
The diversion program was rescinded and Wolsey was convicted of the category E felony at 19-years-old. He was sentenced to 19-48 months in prison, the maximum sentence allowed by statute.
The prison sentence was suspended and Wolsey was then placed on formal probation for a period of 48 months with completion of the Humboldt County Adult Drug Court program a condition of the probation, giving him another opportunity to stay out of prison.
At the most recent probation violation hearing, there was also mention of a prior admission into an inpatient substance abuse treatment program to try and help Wolsey. Wolsey stopped showing up for his required drug court sessions in July and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
This time, Wolsey admitted to violating six conditions of his probation, including maintaining employment, financial obligations and residence.
Wolsey’s attorney, Alternate Public Defender Maureen McQuillan asked the court to consider yet another treatment program for Wolsey or consider a dishonorable discharge from probation.
The treatment program suggested by McQuillan and Wolsey was the Salvation Army rehabilitation program in Reno.
Deputy District Attorney Richard Haas asked that Wolsey’s probation be revoked and he serve the underlying 19-48 months in prison.
“The court has given him opportunity after opportunity and he has not accepted it,” said Haas. “The only opportunity left is to send him to prison and carry out his underlying sentence.”
Sixth Judicial District Court Judge Michel Montero listed all of the opportunities that had been given to Wolsey, and pointed out that when Wolsey stopped showing up to drug court, he was picked up in Reno, which is where he was asking to be sent to complete the Salvation Army program.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to put you right back in the environment where you absconded to in Reno,” said Montero.
Montero offered the option of Wolsey completing a regimental discipline program (boot camp) under the supervision of the department of corrections and asked Wolsey’s thoughts about such.
Wolsey said he’s not a big fan of the idea of boot camp and would rather just go do his time.
Montero revoked the probation and sent Wolsey to carry out the underlying prison sentence of 19-48 months with 135 days credit for time served.
