When Matthew A. Markham appeared in the Blair County Court on Thursday, he told a story of his drug addiction and subsequent recovery that was so powerful Judge Jackie A. Bernard asked if he would be willing to work with the County Probation and Parole Department to help others in their recovery.

Markham, 35, enthusiastically agreed to help in any way he could.

After the hearing before Bernard, he said he already tells others of his recovery from a methamphetamine addiction that just a couple of years ago had his life in ruins.

He was appearing in Bernard’s courtroom along with more than 20 other defendants who had been charged with criminal offenses and who were entering guilty pleas.

The stories were mostly disheartening.

For instance, Bernard heard the case of one man who previously came to court with alcohol on his breath to enter a guilty plea to a charge of driving during suspension. His license had been suspended for DUI.

She delayed accepting his guilty plea Thursday to further consider his case.

A woman with the man agreed he had “really messed up” by drinking the morning of his scheduled court appearance.

Bernard agreed, noting, “That is a serious problem.”

Others appeared for guilty pleas to crimes like aggravated assault, simple assault, retail theft, escape, domestic assault and even fighting while playing basketball.

She quizzed one couple about what they were doing to stop their fighting.

The woman said they had learned to talk to one another and to separate and go to other rooms when their tempers began to flare.

They also addressed their drug problems.

“Drugs were a thing in our past,” the woman explained.

She went on to note that things are good at home these days.

Markham was appearing in court as the result of multiple and varied charges filed by area police.

His alleged offenses occurred in June and July 2019 and they included charges of possession with intent to deliver, theft, forgery and burglary of storage units in Snyder Township.

He initially went to jail and then to rehab.

During that down period, he realized how much he wanted to change his life.

After being released from custody, he was able to make that change thanks to his family, his church and by going to the gym on a regular basis.

He said he plays the guitar in his church choir.

He also pointed out he now has a good job.

Bernard said his story of recovery was “powerful.”

And with the recommendation of the prosecution, she placed Markham on five years probation and ordered him to make restitution.

Then she asked him if he would be willing to work with Probation and Parole to help others.

Bernard said after the Markham hearing that this was the first time she ever made a request like that. It was spur of the moment — she then noted she will soon be the judge who oversees the Blair County Drug Court.

The Drug Court is currently under the charge of Judge Timothy M. Sullivan who will become a senior judge as of Jan. 1.

“When you hear of someone able to turn their life around before being sentenced, it is encouraging,” she explained when asked about her request.

Markham said he was happy to tell his story.

“I do it anyway,” he said.

As for attempting to help others, he tries.

He said he is used to acting “like a big brother” in listening to others.

He said these days he finds solace in helping train his son in the gym.

Then, he added, “I still have my own recovery to work on.”