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HOLLIDAYSBURG -- A 45-year-old Altoona man who admits to a longtime drug addiction and mental health issues will have another chance to reform.
Judge Jackie Bernard on Tuesday sentenced David J. Contrillo Jr. to two to four years in a state prison, followed by six years' probation, with a chance to be considered for the state Drug Treatment Program.
As Contrillo wiped tears from his eyes, Bernard told him that she is looking forward to hearing good things about him in the future.
"This sentence gives you an opportunity ... to heal, to succeed and to remain drug free," the judge said.
Court records show Contrillo has been arrested 19 times since 1994 when he was 17 years old, mostly for drug-trafficking crimes, thefts, burglaries, bad checks and DUI.
While a pre-sentence investigation showed him in the highest risk of reoffending, Contrillo told the judge that he wants to change.
"I'm definitely tired of the rat race and the drug scene," Contrillo said.
Bernard told him that the state Drug Treatment Program will provide him with opportunities. But she also reminded him that he will have to do the work and follow the rules.
On Aug. 10, 2021, Blair County Adult Parole and Probation officer Kelly Penrod summoned Altoona police to Contrillo's residence where she saw various substances believed to be methamphetamine, heroin and pills along with drug paraphernalia and cash.
Contrillo, in late December, entered guilty pleas to felony possession with intent to deliver and misdemeanor counts of possession and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was allowed to remain free on bail, pending sentence.
On April 14, when Contrillo was initially scheduled for sentencing, he told Bernard that he was struggling to stay away from methamphetamine, which had ruined his life. After Contrillo admitted to Bernard that he had used methamphetamine three days prior to April 14, Bernard told Contrillo that she thought he was having difficulty speaking. Subsequently, the judge revoked Contrillo's bail and directed that he be taken to jail, with the sentencing to resume later.
Contrillo, who was brought to court on Monday from the county prison, told the judge that abuse and trauma have been part of his life and that being in jail adds to the negativity.
Contrillo also revealed that he came to Altoona from Johnstown specifically for drug treatment after his father was murdered. News reports show David J. Contrillo Sr.'s beaten body was found Sept. 27, 2003, inside a burning car in a remote area of Dauphin County. Terry W. Grimword Jr., a man with a violent criminal history, was convicted and remains incarcerated.
During the April 14 hearing, defense attorney Kristen Anastasi told Bernard that Contrillo showed interest in the county's Drug Court to address his offenses, but was denied that option after his evaluation.
Assistant District Attorney Ian Hausner proposed a state prison sentence of 2.5 to five years' incarceration, followed by five years' probation, in light of Contrillo's criminal history. He added that his office would have no objection to Contrillo being considered for the state Drug Treatment Program.
"I hope the state program helps you to remain drug-free," Bernard said.
Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 814-946-7456.