Prescott man gets probation for drug charges

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A Prescott man pled guilty to multiple drug charges earlier this month in Pierce County Circuit Court.

Matthew P. Simones, 51, 265 Lawrence St., entered into a deferred prosecution agreement March 16 on felony possession of methamphetamine, and received probation for two counts of possession of THC and drug paraphernalia. All terms were for two years.

Simones was charged last October after Pierce County Sheriff’s Department investigators arrived at 20 Orange St., the home of the former Price-Rite Liquors, armed with a search warrant for illegal narcotics in the store.

They met up with Simones, who was the only one working. They asked about his drug use, and he admitted to smoking marijuana and using methamphetamine and cocaine, but not since college. However, he later stated, he used meth in the last two weeks.

Investigators asked if any narcotics were at the store. Simones said no, but again changed his story, and said he would smoke a joint while filling the coolers after work.

During the search, police found a bag containing methamphetamine paraphernalia, methamphetamine and marijuana. Simones claimed ownership of the bag, along with a black computer bag where the marijuana was found and its contents. He also said he smoked marijuana the day before. He then said all the narcotics in his possession are for personal use and he doesn’t sell them.

Pierce County Assistant District Attorney Bill Thorie argued for the sentence, stating no jail time was needed, as this was Simones’ first criminal court experience and this was more of an alcohol and drug issue rather than criminal.

Simones was quite candid when Circuit Court Judge Joseph Boles asked him about his drug usage. He replied he smokes marijuana on occasion, but the usage is declining. The alcohol usage is declining as well and he’s “dabbled” in methamphetamines the last couple of years.

“I fully intend to get back on top,” he said. “I accept the consequences for my actions.”

Terms include no possession or consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs, medication in the prescribed amount only and alcohol and drug assessment and follow-through with any recommendations at agent’s discretion.

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