Decatur County celebrates first Wellness Court graduate

Was held on Thursday

(GREENSBURG, Ind.) –There was cause for celebration as Decatur County had its first Wellness Court graduate on Thursday. 

It's a diversion program that works to rehabilitate rather than incarcerate non-violent drug offenders. 

The program was created by Judge Matt Bailey and involves numerous representatives from the Prosecutor’s Office, Decatur County Court Services, Decatur County Sheriff’s Office and Defense Attorney Jennifer Sturges, and Hickory Recovery Network.  

Team members review potential candidates for the program, who typically are facing drug possession charges. Those accused of dealing drugs are not eligible for Wellness Court. 

“It is typically people who are habitual offenders, which is a term under the law that has enhanced penalties, who are facing fairly severe consequences and finding themselves with lower-level felony possession with significant criminal history,” said Doug Brown 

If a person is eligible for the program, they must attend court and probation weekly, and be subjected to random drug screenings for a minimum of 18 months. The program works in conjunction with Hickory Recovery Network.

Floyd Gabbard was in court Thursday as the first graduate of the Wellness Court. He had previously spent time in prison and is now more than 700 days sober.

The Wellness Court is seeking Decatur County employers who would hire felons as well. Get more information by emailing Abby Harry at aharry@decaturcounty.in.gov

Decatur County Deputy Attorney Doug Brown and Director of Community Corrections Abby Harry spoke with The 812. Listen here: