The Maui News <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Spitalskys criminal history began with his first conviction in 1980 and continued to 2012, said Deputy Prosecutor Shelly Miyashiro. <\/p>\n
It appears the defendant has been part of the criminal justice system for most of his life, she said.<\/p>\n
While recommending a sentence of probation, she said Spitalsky would probably face prison if he continued in criminal activity.<\/p>\n
Deputy Public Defender Tyler Stevenson said Spitalskys involvement with a classmate, who is a co-defendant in his latest case, led him to relapse. <\/p>\n
He is still reeling from the loss of his wife, Stevenson said. He does need help.<\/p>\n
Defense attorney Jon Apo said the plea agreement was a very compassionate last-chance opportunity that the states giving.<\/p>\n
There is a 10-year prison sentence over his head if he does not, in fact, comply, Apo said.<\/p>\n
Spitalsky said he also is dealing with a medical condition. <\/p>\n
I dont know how long I going live, he said.<\/p>\n
As part of his probation, Spitalsky was ordered not to consume alcohol or illegal drugs.<\/p>\n
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Probation is 'last chance' for man with long criminal history - Maui News<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 Continue reading