Man a candidate for Veterans Court if he moves to Carbon

A Navy veteran struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and drug addiction is a good candidate for Carbon County’s Veterans Court.

But first, Bryan P. Smith, 39, needs to move to Carbon County from his home in Berwick, Columbia County.

Smith was to be sentenced Thursday by Carbon County Judge Joseph J. Matika on charges of driving under the influence and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

But after listening to Smith and his defense lawyer, Brian J. Collins, Matika deferred sentencing and gave Smith 30 days to decide if he wants to move.

Smith said he would give it serious consideration.

Assistant District Attorney Cynthia A. Dyrda Hatton said she had no objection.

Smith was charged with driving under the influence of a controlled substance on June 21, 2016, by state police at Fern Ridge along Interstate 80 in Kidder Township.

Smith also pleaded to possession of heroin on Jan. 14, 2016, after being charged by state police at Fern Ridge along I-80 in East Side Borough.

On Thursday, Collins told Matika his client “is struggling, but not giving up.”

Smith has been drug-free since August, Collins said.

“Drug addiction takes a horrible toll on your life,” Smith told Matika.

He described going to a Veterans Affairs hospital for help soon after being honorably discharged from the service.

“They just gave me pills and pushed me out the door,” he said. “They said I’d be OK.”

“And we know how well that doesn’t work,” Matika said.

“You would be a perfect candidate for our Veterans Court,” Matika said.

Smith said he’d be willing to move from Columbia County.