DRUG OFFENDER GETS NO JAIL TIME

LITCHFIELD -- A repeat drug offender was given not just another chance to
stay out of jail, but a second chance at life.

When Anne Bailey left the courtroom in Litchfield on Friday, her eyes were
damp with tears of relief.

Up against a 10-year jail term for prior drug convictions, Bailey was
sentenced to probation, on the condition she continue to participate an
intensive drug rehabilitation program.

In 1998 Judge Alexandra DiPentima ordered Bailey to serve a year in jail of
a 10-year suspended sentence, and five years probation for sale and
possession of narcotics with intent to sell.

On Dec. 6, police found her in possession of 27 bags of crack cocaine
during a traffic arrest, and a week later probation officers discovered
more drugs and paraphernalia in her home on Hunter Court in Torrington.

She pled guilty on Friday two counts of possession of narcotics, and
admitted to violating her probation. She was sentenced to a total of 14
years in jail, which is suspended if she successfully completes five years
of probation.

Both the David Shepack of the state attorney's office, and Bailey's defense
attorney, Tom Waterfall, agreed Bailey's addiction was destroying her.

"She is an addict. One only needed to look at her," Shepack said referring
to Bailey's physical condition as an "acute state of illness" when she came
before the court in December. "I don't make a lot of recommendations for
suspended sentences for repeat drug offenders," Shepack said. This
opportunity was "the end of the line" he warned.

Before she started a drug treatment program six weeks ago, Waterfall told
the court, she was "drug sick" and he feared that she would not survive her
addiction.

Judge DiPentima spent several minutes reviewing documents from the
treatment center.

"Perhaps this is a case the court can take another risk," the judge said,
but reminded Bailey she had 14 years hanging over her head if she didn't
comply with the program and meet probation requirements.

"If you misstep again you will be going to jail for a long time," she said.