By Crawford County Municipal Court Judge Sean Leuthold
There is no question that our county faces many challenges in dealing with the current drug problem, specifically, the use of heroin. As Crawford County Municipal Court Judge, I have dealt with hundreds of defendants who were addicted to this devastating drug. This addiction has destroyed lives, ruined families, and has led to an increase in crimes against the public. Unless we solve this problem, the quality of life in Crawford County will deteriorate.
The good news is, that over the last few years, our citizens have begun to fight back. Law enforcement, churches, private organizations, and the Court have made great strides in combating heroin addiction in our community. We should all take pride in the efforts that have been made. As a result, we have begun to see a measure of success in this struggle.
Many of the people and groups that have joined this fight, did so out of a sense of compassion and sympathy. Obviously, this is very admirable. Victims of crimes, families of addicts, and often times, the addicts themselves, are certainly in need of both compassion and sympathy. However, ultimately compassion and sympathy are not sufficient qualities to allow us to defeat the heroin problem.
In order to prevail in this fight, we must embrace qualities such as toughness, determination, and a relentless desire to see heroin removed from our community. While we can continue to try to help those who truly need it, we must be willing to stand strong against the obstacles that prevent our success.
Our law enforcement has certainly stepped up to the plate in this regard. Our Sheriff’s Department, as well as the local police departments, have increased their efforts to arrest and convict those individuals selling heroin in our communities. Building a successful case against drug dealers is not an easy task, and our law enforcement officers have shown a desire to get the job done. They understand that removing as much heroin from the street as possible is an important part of winning this battle. Our Sheriff Scott Kent, Galion Police Chief Brian Saterfield, Crestline Police Chief Joe Butler, and Bucyrus Police Chief David Koepke, certainly deserve our thanks.
Our churches and private organizations have demonstrated the ability to be tough and determined when it is needed. These organizations often work with the Courts to find treatment programs for drug addicts, as well as provide support for their families. The efforts they have made have been nothing short of extraordinary. When they see a person or family in need of help, they do everything in their power to make peoples’ lives better.
It is important to know, however, that these organizations are not in the business of giving addicts a “free ride”. They demand that those seeking help live up to their responsibilities. They are also willing to say “no” to those who are not serious about receiving help. Doing this requires a special type of toughness in that sometimes the only way to help someone is to say “no”.
In putting together programs that deal with drug-related crime, I have also embraced the concepts of toughness and determination. Allowing addicts to simply slide through the Court system is unacceptable. Incarcerating addicts is a necessary part of the process in order to protect the public, and often to protect the addict from themselves. Inpatient treatment for a substantial period of time is also necessary, followed by intensive probation/supervision.
However, the most important aspect of treatment is accountability. In other words, when offenders fail to meet their responsibilities, there must be consequences and punishment. This is not always easy, but without accountability, it is impossible to see positive results.
As we move forward as a community, we must understand that we should be willing to help those that want to be helped. However, we must also be willing to hold those who refuse help accountable for their actions. Addiction does not excuse victimizing others. It does not excuse criminal behavior. Compassion and sympathy are needed in this fight, but toughness and determination are required for victory.