Kenneth Lavorn Moore
Judge Barry Steelman gave a penitent man one last chance at redemption in Criminal Court on Monday. Kenneth Lavorn Moore, 32, was close to being revoked from probation after he absconded for nine months, failed drug tests, and was found with a marijuana joint after his truck caught on fire.
Moore was facing several years in prison, and as a man who had never been to prison, he told the judge he was ready to change.
“I am addicted to drugs, and I have a problem,” said Moore, “I’m ready to get help, and I’m ready to give 100 percent.”
His attorney, William Sanders, asked for the court to be lenient and allow Moore to be sent to the faith-based program House of Refuge. He brought in Rev. Alfred Johnson, who works at the House, to explain what goes on in the program.
Rev. Johnson told the court that those admitted have to attend meetings, go to small groups, and pass drug screens. People within the program are required to work throughout their time there, and any money they make is handed over to the House to be managed. The house would provide transportation to any job Moore might need.
Prosecutor Andrew Coyle questioned the sincerity of Moore’s intentions. He continually referenced Moore’s long criminal history. Aside from his drug-related charges, Moore also has assault and theft counts in his past.
When asked about those charges, Moore always brought the conversation back to his drug history and his willingness to change. He quickly told Judge Steelman and prosecutor Coyle that he has a drug problem, and needed to get help.
When prosecutor Coyle asked why Moore waited until now to get help, the defendant said he had a wake up call after the last crime. He learned that four of his seven children might be adopted should he go to prison.
“I’m sorry that I’m 32 years old and it took me this long to get help,” said Moore, who told the judge he did not need to go to prison. He said prison was riddled with drugs, and would only continue his drug addiction.
After some deliberation, Judge Steelman decided to revoke Moore’s probation, but rather than sending him to prison, he sent Moore to the House. If the defendant fails to complete the year-long program, Moore would face prison time.
“I think his problem is drug addiction too,” said Judge Steelman. “Addicts are usually pretty good talkers, so I have to decide if he’s just talking or if he really wants to change. But I won’t be able to know that unless he gets another chance.”