Atlantic/Cape May Vicinage to Host Largest Drug Court Graduation in Program History

COURT HOUSE — The Atlantic/Cape May Vicinage Drug Court program will hold a joint graduation on Thurs., June 8 at 11 a.m. at the Middle Township Performing Arts Center, 212 Bayberry Dr., Cape May Court House.
The ceremony, “A Celebration of Recovery,” will recognize 87 graduates, making it the largest drug court graduation in state history. Many of the program participants will have their criminal records expunged as a result of their graduation. It is the16th drug court graduation in the vicinage since their program’s inception in 2004.
Assignment Judge Julio Mendez said the ceremony highlights the Judiciary’s commitment to the Drug Court program. “Drug Courts save lives, change lives for the better, restore dignity and make communities safer,” Judge Mendez said.
“The road to recovery from addiction starts with treatment, not punishment,” said Judge Mark Sandson, who presides over the vicinage’s drug court program and will preside over the ceremony.
Joseph Jingoli, a manager with the construction firm Joseph Jingoli & Son Inc., will be the keynote speaker. Cape May County Prosecutor Robert Taylor and Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon Tyner also will give remarks. ShopRite will be honored with the “Drug Court Community Partnership Award” for its hiring of Drug Court graduates and its support of the recovery community.
Drug courts operate within the existing Superior Court structure to treat nonviolent drug offenders. Drug court programs are rigorous, requiring completion of four phases of intensive drug and alcohol treatment and testing. Drug court participants are expected to comply with all treatment recommendations, gain employment, obtain a GED if not already attained, and demonstrate a payment of court fines.
For additional information regarding drug courts or the graduation ceremony, contact Cape May County Drug Court Coordinator Rebecca Super at 609-463-5142 or rebecca.super@njcourts.gov. In Atlantic County, contact Drug Court Coordinator Celeste Goodson at 609-808-8113 or celeste.goodson@njcourts.gov.