On April 4, 2011, I was pulled over for a taillight being burnt out. No big deal, right? Usually no, however I was “methin’ around” (high on meth) at the time and my kids were with me in the vehicle.
I was charged with CDS [Controlled Dangerous Substances] in the presence of a minor and three counts of child neglect.
I sat 5 months in jail while waiting on my public defender to come up with something. I ended up pleading guilty to all counts in order to receive a suspended sentence and enter Drug Court. Within two days of being released from jail, I was methin’ around once again. It finally got to the point that drug court jailed me and ordered me to a 6-month treatment program.
I completed the program with flying colors and was doing so well that the drug court team allowed me to stay in the city where I had completed treatment, as long as I agreed to go to outpatient counseling and attend three AA/NA meetings a week, calling in to report weekly. I managed to comply for five months after I graduated Drug Treatment, then I methed around again.
In March of 2013 I was arrested for failure to comply with Drug Court and Failure to pay fines/costs. I was in jail about three months when I went to court and my suspended sentence was revoked. I am currently about 2 years into my 7 year sentence.
How do I feel about it now? I feel that I deserve to do a lot more than 7 years. I put my children at great risk by even being high around them. I regret ever putting my children in that situation and I damn well deserve to be in prison. If my children are able to forgive me, that is all well and good, but I will never be able to forgive myself. I believe that coming to prison is probably the only thing that saved me from the grave and I thank God every day for saving me from myself.
Jonathan Benson is serving 7 years in Oklahoma for Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) in presence of a minor and for 3 counts of child neglect.
