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Attorney: Client used heroin as ‘stress reliever’
By Joe Gorman
YOUNGSTOWN
Demetrius Tinker’s lawyer Friday told a judge her client used heroin for “stress relief.”
Now, Tinker has the added stress of being addicted to the drug.
Tinker, 36, was in municipal court to enter a no-contest plea to a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested Nov. 16 with a needle in his pocket by city police.
Tinker’s attorney, Andrea Burton, told the judge her client did not start using heroin until his early 30s. He said he was locked in a custody battle with the mother of his daughter and began using the drug to relax.
“He turned to heroin as a stress reliever,” Burton said. “It makes no sense but he did.”
A recommended sentence for Tinker was time served, which is 12 days in the Mahoning County jail, and drug treatment. Burton said this is the longest her client has been off drugs for awhile because of his stay in the jail. She said treatment is essential not just to cure her client’s addiction, but to save his life.
“If he does not get treatment, it is likely he will be dead by next year at this time,” Burton said.
Judge Kobly said she agreed. She also said she has no idea how anyone could ever think to use heroin to relieve stress, since it never lets anyone go.
“Heroin has never helped one person, Mr. Tinker. None,” Judge Kobly said. “You threw your life away. And you’re old enough to know better.”
Tinker said he has a treatment plan ready and he wants to kick his addiction.
Judge Kobly found Tinker guilty and upheld the sentencing recommendation. She also placed Tinker on 18-months probation and warned him if he fails a drug test, he will be sent to jail to finish the remainder of his sentence.