The Sixth Judicial District Drug Court held its 10th graduation ceremony Sept. 30 at the Madison Parish Courthouse, recognizing Keith Toston of Tensas Parish for completing the program.
Judge Laurie R. Brister presided over the ceremony and presented Toston’s graduation certificate. The court serves participants from East Carroll, Madison and Tensas parishes.
The event included remarks from former program participants Brittany Smith, Chaquella Shoemaker and Dakota Thomas. Smith said the program requires commitment and regular accountability. “That’s huge and not easy,” she said.
Toston spoke about his experience in the program and his plans for the future. He said he has regained his driver’s license, completed community service and paid outstanding fees and traffic fines. He has maintained steady employment at NAPA and marked one year of sobriety on Sept. 11, 2024.
“I wasn’t born on it, so I don’t have to have it,” Toston said. He added that he plans to earn his GED and open a business.
Brister said the program focuses on rehabilitation through supervision and teamwork. The court meets twice a month and operates as a partnership among the district attorney’s office, public defenders, probation officers and treatment providers.
“This couldn’t happen without these people,” Brister said.
District Attorney Jim Paxton, Assistant District Attorney Bradley Sloan, and Delta Recovery representatives Joseph Jackson and Alycia Lucas attended. The court team also includes Chief Public Defender Pamela Grady, Clerk of Court Marion Hopkins and the sheriffs of Madison, East Carroll and Tensas parishes.
The specialty court was created by the Legislature and began operating in March 2021 with support from Sen. Katrina Jackson.
Refreshments were provided by Friends of the Sixth Judicial District Drug Court.
