History
In March 2009, members of the Fourth Judicial District judicial system attended the Drug Court Planning Initiative training with the goal of launching the Fourth Judicial District Drug Court to provide therapeutic interventions, promote public safety, reduce crime, decrease recividism, and reunite families of non-violent offenders with a history of drug and alcohol abuse.
Overseen by Circuit Court Judges Duane Slone and Carter Moore the program is a joint effort of the offices of the District Attorney General, the District Public Defender, and the Sheriff’s Departments. Additionally the team that meets weekly includes members from other professional disciplines including officers supervising probation, and addiction and mental health providers.
Our team firmly believes that drug and alcohol addiction is not only an individual disease but a family and community disease. For that reason, we seek to be a guiding force to bring about healing to the communities that we serve.
In September of 2011, the program underwent an intensive reviewing process and was awarded certification by the State of Tennessee as an accredited Drug Court program. In an effort to more effectively provide services and support to Tennessee Drug Court programs, Governor Bill Haslam, in 2012, placed the Drug Court programs under the umbrella of the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse.
Realizing not only the humanitarian benefits but the economic benefits to our communities, our county governments have invested in our mission.
Today, the Fourth Judicial District Drug Recovery Court continues to provide an invaluable service to the community; however, its reliance on local monies as well as state and federal grants means that continued existence could be determined in large part by the current economy. Concerned citizens who recognized the program’s positive impact on the community as a way to reduce recidivism and provide individuals struggling with addiction a way to become responsible, productive members of society came together for the purpose of supporting the Drug Recovery Court. In 2013 the 4th Judicial District Recovery Services, Inc. was formed as a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization to assist the Drug Recovery Court in achieving its mission of providing healing from drug and alcohol addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.
The Fourth Judicial District Drug Recovery Court Team consists of the core members listed below. The Team meets weekly/bi-weekly prior to the court status hearings. At that time the participant’s progress in the program is reviewed.
Dandridge Team
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The Honorable O. Duane Slone, 4th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge
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The Honorable Carter Moore, 4th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge
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Patricia Williams, Program Director
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Jeremy Ball, Assistant District Attorney General
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Ed Miller, District Public Defender
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Keith Haas, Assistant Public Defender
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Thomas Hollowell, LADAC 1/Treatment Coordinator
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Rick Wardroup, State Probation Officer
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Jeff Coffey, Jefferson County Sheriff
Newport Team
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The Honorable Carter Moore, 4th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge
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The Honorable O. Duane Slone, 4th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge
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Patricia Williams, Program Director
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Thomas Hollowell, LADAC 1/ Treatment Coordinator
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Tonya Thornton, Assistant District Attorney General
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Keith Haas, Assistant Public Defender
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Mark Sartain, Community Corrections Officer
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Cheryl Parker, State Probation Officer
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Maurice Shults, City of Newport Chief of Police
Our Staff
Patricia Williams – Director
Ms. William joined the Fourth Judicial District Drug Recovery Court in 2009 as Coordinator/Director. She comes to us with 22 years prior experience as a Community Corrections Officer for the Fourth Judicial District. Ms. Williams’ prior experience includes Medical Office Manager Auditor for an inventory company, Assistant to Dean of Technologies at Walters State Community College, and House Manager at Tennessee Technological University.
Ms. Williams is certified to conduct the SASSI and LSCMI for assessment purposes. She is also certified to teach MRT (Moral Reconation Therapy) and “Prime for Life” classes for DUI offenders. She is a member of the Tennessee Association of Drug Court Programs (TADCP) and the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) and currently serves as the East Tennessee Region Board Member for the TADCP.
Additionally, Ms. Williams serves as Director for the 4th Judicial District Recovery Services, Inc. Ms. Patricia Williams is a 1982 graduate of Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tennessee with a B.S. in Management.
Patricia Williams was raised as the daughter of a career Army father and has a working knowledge of the lives led by veterans and their families.
Thomas Hollowell – LADAC 1/ Treatment Coordinator
Mr. Thomas Hollowell joined the Fourth Judicial District Recovery Court in May, 2013, as a Case Manager. He is a 1992 graduate of Maryville High School and a former graduate of the Blount County Drug Court Program. Mr. Hollowell was previously employed by STEPS House, Inc., as a Counselor / House Manager.
Thomas is actively working to complete his LADAC 2, and is an active member and officer of ETAADAC, Tennessee Association of Drug Court Professionals (TADCP), and National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP). He is currently certified to provide “Prime for Life” to DUI offenders.