BANTAM - A former New Hartford resident who pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of heroin today said he tried to get treatment in the weeks leading up to his arrest on Sept. 2.
The reason Howard Cray didn't, however, was apparently due to insurance. Cray told Hon. Judge Charles Gill at Bantam Superior Court his insurance company only covered him for two weeks of insurance for such care, while anything beyond that he would have to pay out of pocket.
But when Cray got arrested, bonded out of custody and was court-ordered to attend medical treatment, that was covered by some form of state insurance, said Lawrence Peck, Cray's attorney.
Judge Gill took it as a moment to voice his opinions on healthcare reform. He said "everyone's getting so excited" when it comes to talking about reforming the system the country has currently.
"Well, what we have not isn't very good either," Judge Gill told the court, noting the situation that Cray was involved in.
Cray will serve an 18-month probation period.