On April 4th, 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 I was in jail about three months when I went to court and my suspended sentence was revoked.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.
Jonathan Benson #645009
LCF (7B 106)
8607 SE Flower Mound Rd
Lawton, OK 73501
3 Comments
Learn your lesson dummy
None of us are perfect parents. If we all had cops following is around all day 90% of us would be catching charges. Driving intoxicated with children is a nightmare move but the fact you are owning it and taking responsibility for what you have done shows you have a good soul. You made those decisions high….its not who you are. Being an addict is not an idenity. It’s not who you are. You are a father. Remember that when you get out. There’s still time to make things right. My wish is that you are able to do that and no methin around anymore. Good luck and keep us posted !
well said Amanda, I have a family member who has issues with her prescription drugs, it is not easy to watch but owing up & doing something about it is half the battle. Good Luck to this guy and hopefully he can be a better father when he gets out of jail..Good Luck!