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Woman tells judge during sentencing she’ll beat heroin addiction
By Joe Gorman
YOUNGSTOWN
Angela Harris says she will beat her heroin addiction, but Judge Elizabeth Kobly said she was not so sure after sentencing her to 180 days in Mahoning County jail on a drug charge and probation violation.
“Ma’am, I think I have a better chance of being a rock star than you do of being clean,” the judge said Tuesday in municipal court.
Judge Kobly sentenced Harris, 35, after Harris pleaded no contest and was found guilty on a charge of possession of a drug-abuse instrument and a probation violation on the same charge.
Police arrested Harris on Feb. 4 after she was spotted by an officer in a stolen car on Park Avenue on the North Side and a syringe was found in her purse.
Just before she entered her plea, Judge Kobly asked what drugs Harris was addicted to and she said cocaine, but the judge asked her why there was a needle in her car.
Harris said the needle did not belong to her but she took full responsibility. After further questioning from the judge, Harris said she snorted heroin but did not use needles.
“I’ve fought this all my life,” Harris said. “That don’t mean I can’t win. I can beat it.”
Harris said she was clean for a period of time when she had a baby. Judge Kobly was aghast that she would have a child while battling a drug addiction, but Harris said she was not on drugs when she was pregnant.
Judge Kobly said she is still setting a bad example for her child by doing drugs.
“Your baby needs its mother,” Judge Kobly said.
Harris answered that is why she will beat her drug problem.
“I’m going to win this fight,” Harris said.
But the judge answered that Harris told her the same things before when she received probation the last time, which makes her skeptical.
“Your actions speak a lot louder than your words,” Judge Kobly said.
But Harris said she is serious now.
Harris was given credit for the 19 days she has served since her arrest. She also faces unspecified charges in Trumbull County.
Judge Kobly did wish Harris luck in her battle to stay off heroin.