Opinion ID: 1518536
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Probation Violations

Text: In December 2002, Weston was placed on Level IV Home Confinement. Among the conditions of his supervision, he was to report any change in employment or residence immediately. According to his probation officer, Amber Esham, Weston violated his curfew schedule on December 28, 30, and 31, 2002 and on January 2, 3 and 6, 2003. According to Esham, there had been no verification of any change in Weston's curfew or employment status. On January 6, 2003, after receiving a tip from a confidential informant, Probation Officer Mark Dawson of the Governor's Task Force executed an administrative warrant at Weston's residence. As the officer approached the residence, someone opened the door and immediately shut it. Dawson then heard running inside of the residence. After knocking and entering the residence, Dawson observed several people in the living room area, and others at the rear door of the residence. One individual unsuccessfully attempted to flee. Dawson identified Weston and conducted a personal search of him. No contraband was found. A search of Weston's bedroom, however, uncovered several rounds of ammunition in a plastic bag in a green tote container. The police found a loaded .357 caliber revolver in a floor vent in a baby's bedroom, a small rock of crack cocaine in the kitchen sink drain and, next to the sink, a small set of digital scales. There was cocaine residue on the kitchen table. The kitchen trashcan contained several torn plastic baggies. The police also found cash in the amount of $3,455 in one of the bedrooms of the residence. On January 6, 2003, Weston was arrested on new charges after the administrative search was conducted at his residence. At a Fast Track contested violation of probation hearing on March 4, 2003, Weston was found in violation of probation. The Superior Court judge found Weston guilty of violating his probation based on the curfew violations, the evidence showing that Weston's residence was being used for drugs, and evidence showing the possession of bullets and a weapon.