Judge David Wilk first encountered Abel Sauceda in July 2015, when Sauceda's substance use and legal troubles had put him on a difficult path. Eleven years later, Sauceda returned before Wilk to mark his completion of Kenosha County Treatment Court.
At the commencement hearing, Wilk praised the change he saw in Sauceda, crediting both the support Sauceda received and the commitment Sauceda showed to his own recovery. Sauceda now has a job, a driver's license, a home of his own and a safe place for one of his children to live.
Sauceda spent 14 and a half months in Treatment Court. In that time he recorded 15 negative drug tests while meeting the program's benchmarks and completing its required activities.
His probation officer nominated him for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections' 180 Award, citing his continued momentum and growth. Speaking at the hearing, Sauceda thanked his family and the recovery community for encouraging him, and urged others still in the program not to give up.
Kenosha County Treatment Court serves adult defendants who have pleaded guilty to one or more nonviolent crimes connected to a substance use disorder. A judge and a team of program professionals oversee treatment, programming and supervision aimed at helping participants live stable lives free from alcohol and illegal drugs.
