| TRAFICANT, James A., Jr., |
TUESDAY, JULY 14, 1998
Washington, D.C. – U. S. Rep. James A. Traficant, Jr. (D–OH) announced today that the Mahoning County Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Board has been awarded a $383,803 federal grant to establish a special drug court. The grant was awarded through the U.S. Department of Justice's Drug Court Grant Program. Traficant wrote to the department last month urging approval of the county's grant request.
The board will use the grant to establish a drug court in Mahoning County for non-violent, drug-abusing, male and female adult offenders charged with drug-related misdemeanors and some felonies. The court will treat approximately 150 offenders during the two-year grant period. Each participant will receive drug treatment and other services to help them maintain a drug-free lifestyle after completing the program. Offenders referred to the program will spend a minimum of one year in the drug court program. In addition to the board, other participants in the program will include Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Judge John M. Durkin and the Mahoning County Chemical Dependency Programs, Inc.
In his letter last month to the Drug Courts Program Office, Traficant noted that "as a former drug counselor, I know how important it is to develop a good working relationship between the courts and service providers in dealing with those who are addicted to drugs. Aggressive law enforcement and tough sentencing are certainly important components in any effort to combat drugs," added Traficant. "However, treatment, counseling and special drug courts also are vitally important." From 1971 to 1981, Traficant served as director of the Mahoning County Drug Program.
2009