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Warren man sentenced for smoking meth on bunk below 6-year-old

A Warren man has been sentenced to a county prison term on charges stemming from smoking methamphetamine on the bottom bunk while his six-year-old child slept on the top bunk.

Matthew W. Matha, Warren, was sentenced by President Judge Maureen Skerda during sentence court proceedings on Friday.

Matha’s attorney, Chief Public Defender John Parroccini said that Matha’s prior record is indicative of “quite a severe addiction problem” and said he hopes the last 64 days incarceration have helped him see how serious the issue is.

He called for a new drug and alcohol evaluation as well as inpatient treatment.

District Attorney Rob Greene said that First Assistant District Attorney Cody Brown’s notes indicate that Matha needs jail time, has overdosed multiple times, and smoked methamphetamine while on the bottom bunk with a six-year-old child on the top.

“(The) next time he overdoses, (we) might not have to deal with Mr. Matha anymore,” he said, arguing that a state prison sentence might be best for the community and Matha.

Skerda asked him about what he’s done to address his addiction and he said: “I do have a substance abuse program.”

“You understand there are people you care about,” Skerda said, and challenged his disregard “for child safety over (your) addiction.”

Skerda said that conduct “shows the court where you’re at” in his thinking.

Matha was then sentenced to 11 months to two years less one day incarceration, two years probation, $2075 in fines and fees, to undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation and comply with its recommendations, 100 hours of community service, submission of a DNA sample, parenting classes and the COG program on a count of endangering welfare of children. He was given credit for 64 days time served and is work release and early re-entry eligible.

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