Probation is ‘last chance’ for man with long criminal history – Maui News

The Maui News

WAILUKU A Lanai man with a long criminal history was placed on probation for drug crimes, in what his attorney called a compassionate last chance.

Jesse Spitalsky, 61, also was sentenced Wednesday to a one-year jail term with the possibility of being released early to enter a drug treatment program.

In following a plea agreement to impose the sentence, 2nd Circuit Judge Kirstin Hamman said Spitalsky would need support to address his drug addiction and make the best of his time.

He pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree promotion of a dangerous drug for taking a substantial step toward distributing methamphetamine on Jan. 8 and to third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug for possessing methamphetamine on June 16, 2020.

Spitalskys criminal history began with his first conviction in 1980 and continued to 2012, said Deputy Prosecutor Shelly Miyashiro.

It appears the defendant has been part of the criminal justice system for most of his life, she said.

While recommending a sentence of probation, she said Spitalsky would probably face prison if he continued in criminal activity.

Deputy Public Defender Tyler Stevenson said Spitalskys involvement with a classmate, who is a co-defendant in his latest case, led him to relapse.

He is still reeling from the loss of his wife, Stevenson said. He does need help.

Defense attorney Jon Apo said the plea agreement was a very compassionate last-chance opportunity that the states giving.

There is a 10-year prison sentence over his head if he does not, in fact, comply, Apo said.

Spitalsky said he also is dealing with a medical condition.

I dont know how long I going live, he said.

As part of his probation, Spitalsky was ordered not to consume alcohol or illegal drugs.

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Probation is 'last chance' for man with long criminal history - Maui News