Monday, August 13, 2012 9:05 am
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MURFREESBORO ‑ Mary Schneider, Director of the Rutherford County Drug Court and DUI Court Programs is pleased to announce that Judge David Bragg will become the new presiding judge for these programs beginning September 6, 2012.
Ms. Schneider states, “We are very sad to see Judge Ash move on to other opportunities. He has been an excellent judge and member of our team for the past 14 years. The participants in our programs look up to Judge Ash and some consider him a father figure. Without Judge Ash, this program never would have been as successful as it is today. We will miss his leadership.”
Judge Bragg has been a substitute for Judge Ash and the Drug Court and DUI Court programs numerous times during the past 2 years. Ms. Schneider states, “Judge Bragg has a good report with the participants and has the right mix of toughness and compassion to deal with them in court. We look forward to Judge Bragg joining our team.”
After volunteering to be the presiding judge, Judge Bragg stated, “I am honored to be asked to serve in this valuable program. The Drug Court Program has a demonstrated record changing lives while saving taxpayers thousands of dollars and turning tax takers into taxpayers. This gives me an opportunity to join the County Mayor, County Commissioners and the Drug Court Foundation to help people become productive, contributing members of our community. I am looking forward to joining the team of professionals who are working to make a difference in the lives of non-violent offenders. I appreciate the many hours and hard work Judge Ash has volunteered over the years to making this a successful program.”
The Drug Court Program started in 2000 and serves non-violent offenders who commit crimes because of their addiction. They are placed in a 12-month program that includes counseling, family therapy and random drug screens. The DUI Program started in 2008 and identifies multiple DUI offenders. This program is modeled after the Drug Court Program. Both programs have proven to be very successful and have improved the public safety of this community. For more information on the Drug Court Program you may call, (615) 217-7124 or visit the Website at www.rutherfordcountytn.gov/drug_court/index.htm