La Plata, MD – Patricia Ann Hetz, 48 of Port Tobacco, has one more chance to avoid serving backup time from a July 2015 conviction on heroin distribution charges.

While Charles County Circuit Court Judge Helen I. Harrington is often compassionate to those actively seeking treatment for drug addiction, the judge warned Hetz earlier in the week that her patience was wearing thin.

Hetz tested positive for heroin in October 2015, violating her probation.

Charles County Assistant State’s Attorney Jeremy Widder is undaunted in his belief that she belongs in jail.

“Your honor, I think you and I view this case differently,” Widder told Harrington. “I see the court’s perspective, that if we could get her off drugs, her dealing is tied to her addiction.

“My view of this case, after she got out of jail in Alleghany County, she gets clean for a while, then she just deals, then she falls back into using,” he continued. “My view, she pled guilty to selling heroin and she has had positive tests since then.”

Widder related that he received an anonymous phone call from a mother whose 21-year-old son was addicted to heroin, claiming he was getting it from Hetz.

“I’d like Ms. Hetz to stop using drugs as well,” Widder added. “I’d also like her to stop selling heroin, selling for profit. I think the court should persuade her.”

“There are no new charges,” Charles County Assistant Public Defender John Getz insisted. “She has done everything she can possibly do. She has been promised a bed inside of two weeks.”

“I’m not selling drugs anymore.” Hetz told Harrington. “I wish people would look at me differently. I need help.”

Hetz told the court she has already arranged transportation to a facility in Salisbury which offers a sober, clean environment when a bed opens up.

Getz said that could be anywhere from tomorrow to 14 days.

“They place you in houses in the community,” Hetz said. “They take urine samples. They have meetings to help me become stable. I want to become stable.”

“It’s not fair to imprison someone who is trying to get help,” Harrington acknowledged. “But you are certainly on notice that you’re on the state’s radar. You have a bed lined up. I am urging you to go get in it. Obviously, the state is not going to show any leniency. I’m giving you the chance. I’m going to leave it up to you.”

Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com