A 21-year-old Hailey man will get a chance at rehabilitation following a felony conviction for selling two tablets of the illegal drug ecstasy to a confidential informant for the Blaine County Narcotics Enforcement Team.
Matthew Richard Fleming was sentenced Monday to the Idaho Department of Correction's "rider program," which gives convicted felons a chance at rehabilitation for 180 days at the North Idaho Correctional Facility at Cottonwood. Fifth District Judge Robert J. Elgee also imposed a suspended six-year prison sentence that can be reinstated if Fleming fails at rehab.
Fleming pleaded guilty to delivery of a controlled substance in January in accord with a plea agreement with the Blaine County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. In exchange for his guilty plea, felony charges of possession of marijuana in excess of 3 ounces, grand theft and burglary were dismissed.
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The marijuana charge dates back to May 2009. The grand theft and burglary charges were filed against Fleming in November 2009 in connection with the theft of Hailey Police Department equipment from a locker room in the basement of the Hailey City Hall. Stolen items included a bulletproof vest and helmet, a police uniform, a HAZMAT gas mask, a tactical vest, a first aid kit, binoculars and handcuffs.
Hailey Police Chief Jeff Gunter said most of the items have been returned. However, Fleming still owes the department $310. Restitution in the theft case was specified in the plea agreement on the ecstasy charge.
Terry Smith: tsmith@mtexpress.com
Mathew Richard Fleming
