FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 9, 2023

CONTACT: Brook Arbeitman (405) 713-1790

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office received a nearly one million dollar grant from the Department of Justice to enhance the Veterans Treatment Court program in the county.

The Veterans who struggle with trauma, mental illness and/or substance use issues can apply to participate in the program. Those that are accepted spend a rigorous 18 months going to treatment, doing random drug testing, regular appearances before the judge, and working with a case manager to apply for any VA benefits they have earned. Judge Brent Dishman oversees their progress through the program.

“I think most Oklahoma County residents would be surprised to find out that many of the people involved in our justice system are Veterans,” said C. Brent Dishman, District Judge. “Funding for the Oklahoma County Veterans Treatment Court (OCVTC) provides these veterans with a structured, court-supervised program that allows them to atone for their criminal behavior while receiving treatment for the underlying causes of that behavior. Programs like Veterans Treatment Court are cheaper than imprisonment and more effective at preventing recidivism. These Veterans work hard and are eager to change their lives for the better. OCVTC gives them an opportunity to make this change.”

David Onzahwah served eight years in the United States Marine Corps as a legal administrator. He served in Operation Phantom Fury in 2004. Onzahwah is now a Peer Specialist at the Oklahoma City VA. He is thankful for the VTC for setting him on a successful path.

“Veterans Treatment Court saved my life,” said David Onzahwah. “Going through the program was like a mission assignment to me. It sparked a fight in me to keep improving myself in order to accomplish goals. I want the public to know that this program saves lives, reduces stigmas and helps heal veterans that are having trouble adjusting to the civilian lifestyle.”

Veterans Treatment Court is similar to Drug courts; there is a collaborative effort between the judiciary, community partners, treatment providers, the DA’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office and various Veterans Administration programs to promote sobriety, recovery and personal accountability in an effort to break the cycle of addiction and/or criminal behavior. Since OCVTC began in July 2020, 46 Veterans have graduated, two did not complete the program and five have reoffended.

The success of the program is evident, and it was important to the District Attorney to apply for additional funding from DOJ to expand OCVTC.

“It is the duty of the District Attorney’s Office to ensure public safety,” said Vicki Zemp Behenna, Oklahoma County District Attorney. “Diversion programs such as the Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) do just that. Many times, veterans return home with trauma from their tour of duty. As a result, they may self-medicate or turn to criminal activity. Through programs like VTC, the underlying issues veterans are facing are addressed, they are provided tools and resources, and they are surrounded by their peers while in the program. The recidivism rate is extremely low after completing VTC, which means veterans are successful members of the community and ultimately the public is safer.”

The DA’s office plans to use the $949,939.00 grant award to expand the number of Veterans served in Oklahoma County by identifying them earlier in the criminal justice process, allowing them to get them out of jail and into treatment programs sooner.

Veterans Treatment Court is one of nine Diversion Programs in Oklahoma County. The others are Drug Court, ReMerge Court, DREAMS Court (Diversion, Recovery, Engagement and Mental Support) formerly known as Mental Health Court, DUI Court, Community Sentencing, Veterans Diversion, Misdemeanor Diversion and CO-OP (Court Ordered Out-Patient).

Criminal charges are based on probable cause to believe a person has committed a crime.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

320 ROBERT S. KERR, SUITE 505 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73102

(405) 713-1600
FAX (405) 235-1567

###