Probation violators appear in court

Published 9:44 am Monday, April 23, 2012

 

Flunking a drug test will get you more than a bad grade if you’re in trouble with Lawrence County Common Pleas Court.

Clifford Roberts, 35, of 1097 County Road 1, South Point, appeared for a pretrial conference last week and a drug test was ordered.

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Assistant Lawrence County Prosecutor Jeff Smith said the test was positive for use of THC (an ingredient in marijuana), benzodiazepines (sedatives such as xanax, klonopin, etc.) and opiates (such as morphine and codeine). Roberts’ attorney, Philip Heald, said Roberts has a prescription for Xanax, “but it doesn’t excuse the rest.”

Heald said he thought a resolution could be reached in the case.

“Mr. Roberts is in no way trying to deny the allegations,” Heald said. “We’re trying to work something out. He’s trying very hard. He started Spectrum Outreach Services April 10. He’s certainly trying to do better.” Heald asked if Roberts could be released from the Lawrence County Jail until a resolution is reached.

“He’ll be placed in custody today,” Judge D. Scott Bowling said. Bowling did set bond at $100,000 cash but said Roberts could be released if he posted 10 percent. A $25,000 own recognizance (OR) bond was added to it. Roberts must return to court this week for a pretrial conference.

Roberts was arraigned March 28 on charges of domestic violence, assault on a police officer and disrupting a public service.

Also, Kenneth Smith, 48, who is incarcerated in the Lawrence County Jail, was arraigned on a probation violation.

Smith was on probation for an earlier drug conviction. Authorities said Smith violated his probation when he got into trouble on new charges. A trial was set for this week in this case.