City man gets state prison sentence for drug treatmentCity man gets state prison sentence for drug treatment

HOLLIDAYSBURG -- A 26-year-old Altoona man who asked a Blair County judge for one more chance to prove himself received a state prison sentence where he will be eligible for the state's Drug Treatment Program.

"I want you to see state Drug Treatment as your one more chance," Judge Jackie Bernard told Tracy N. Bey, who had asked for a time-served sentence in light of his guilty plea to contraband possession inside the county prison in October.

Bey, who was released on bail in February, told Bernard about his recent efforts to work with a local agency to set up a place to live and pursue a job.

"I just got everything set in motion," Bey told the judge.

Bernard, who recognized Bey's pursuits as well as his criminal history starting as a juvenile and a high risk assessment for reoffending, decided against a time-served sentence.

Bernard also decided against a county sentence and told Bey that a state sentence of two to four years will give him more options for treatment and services, followed by six years' supervision.

"I really do want you to be successful," the judge said.

Assistant District Attorney Ian Hausner recommended the two- to four-year state prison sentence so Bey can be considered for the state Drug Treatment Program.

"Straight incarceration won't help him at all," Hausner said.

State Drug Treatment program participants typically finish about seven months' incarceration before they're released to halfway houses or other supervised facilities to finish their sentences.

Defense attorney Tyler Rowles told Bernard that Bey is already making progress on efforts to live in the local community. Those efforts will have to be repeated if he goes to prison, Rowles said.

Bey spoke of ongoing efforts to put his drug use behind him. He said there was a time in his life when he used meth, heroin and cocaine on a daily basis. He also spoke of growing up in Philadelphia.

"When I was 12 years old, I was given a block of drugs and told to go sell it," Bey said.

Bernard mentioned to Bey that despite his claim of trying to lead a crime-free life, he was charged with retail theft after being released on bail in February.

Bey said he opened a drink inside a Sheetz convenience store.

"That's back when I was homeless and I was just thirsty," he said.

Bernard also reviewed the details of the contraband charges, filed by Hollidaysburg police, against Bey in October when he was an inmate in the county prison.

The charges indicate that Bey had marijuana and falsely accused a corrections officer of providing it to him.

Bey later admitted that made up the accusation to get the corrections officer in trouble because the officer filed a disciplinary report against him. He had gotten the marijuana from a cellmate, he said.

In her sentencing order, Bernard described the state prison sentence as Bey's best chance for access to services and treatment that will help him. She also said that Bey's future success will depend on his commitment.

"I'm hoping we don't hear from you again," the judge told Bey.

Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 814-946-7456.