Veterans Treatment & Assistance Court Success Story

Story taken from Lake Co Sheriff's Office Facebook Page:

(shared with John’s permission)

Two years ago, Detective James Simmons arrested John for a crime where drugs were the underlying issue. Detective Simmons had a heart-to-heart conversation with John and learned John is a Combat Veteran (former Navy) who was struggling with addiction. Detective Simmons gave John hope, as did the Lake County Judicial System.

Detective Simmons worked with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office and 19th Judicial Circuit, and John was accepted into Veterans Treatment & Assistance Court (VTAC). John and Detective Simmons kept in touch throughout the process. After an intensive two-year program, today, Detective Simmons had the amazing privilege of attending John’s graduation from VTAC!!

John commented that his meeting Detective Simmons changed his life for the better. He said he was caught up in a terrible situation which spiraled out of control. Detective Simmons and the VTAC program gave John hope. John said he accepted accountability for his previous actions and used this opportunity to reflect on his life and make some changes – which ultimately led to new beginnings.

On behalf of Detective Simmons and all of us at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, CONGRATULATIONS John on your new beginnings, we are very proud of you. #CommunityPartnerships #ThisIsWhyWeDoWhatWeDo

https://www.facebook.com/LakeCoILSheriff/