Man Who Snorted Heroin, Left Child Unattended Sentenced to County Prison Term

Richard Kohler II, 34, who left his 3-year-old son in a parking lot after snorting heroin and passing out was sentenced to a nine to 23 month county prison term and three years probation.

Kohler could have been sentenced to a 16 month state penitentiary term, but was given leniency after making efforts to clean up his life after his arrest in Bethlehem in May 2014, including voluntarily seeking treatment and getting back on his medications. Kohler reportedly suffers from issues including hepatitis-C, mental health disorders of anxiety and depression, and a criminal record for theft and drug charges, according to The Morning Call.

Kohler’s motivations stem from his desire to be a better father, the paper reports. Kohler’s attorney believes that the incident was a wakeup call and has become a motivating force behind his client’s efforts to clean up his life.

Kohler will report to Northampton County Prison on Monday.

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