Somersworth man avoids jail with OK to enter country's drug court program

William A Sylvia (Somersworth Police photo)

DOVER - A Somersworth man pleaded guilty today to four felony drug charges and misdemeanor criminal contempt and resisting arrest, but avoided jail time with his agreement to enter Strafford County's Drug Court, an intense 12-month treatment program designed to help offenders get off drugs once and for all.
William A Sylvia, 21, who is currently an inpatient at a New Hampshire treatment facility, pleaded guilty telephonically. He was instructed by Strafford Superior Judge Daniel E. Will to get in touch with probation officials today to let them know about his guilty plea and agreement to enter the drug court program upon his release from the rehab center.
While Sylvia did plead guilty to resisting arrests, Assistant Strafford County Attorney Katelyn Smkowski said it did not preclude his participation in drug court since he merely "tensed up" while being taken into custody. Violent offenders are not allowed into the drug court program.
The resisting charge came as he was arrested by Somersworth Police on Nov. 11 on charges of drug possession and a bail violation.
"I think it depends on the circumstances," Smykowski told The Voice. "In this case, the defendant was pulling away and tensing."
"Congrats to you," Jude Will told Sylvia as the hearing ended. "(Drug court) is not an easy task. I wish you the best."
The yearlong program is followed by a year of probation.