Michigan: Through a heroin overdose, Kurt J. Reinhardt tried to end his life. Reinhardt told a judge that surviving his brush with death has given new energy to his life.
Reinhardt, 34, had pleaded guilty to a four-year felony of possessing less than 25 grams of a narcotic or cocaine. He appeared before Judge Harry P. Gill for sentencing.
Reinhardt told Judge Gill: “I don’t want this to sound bad but overdosing was one of the best things that ever happened to me. My life is 100 percent different. I got my family back, I report three times a week. My whole life has changed. I was a liar and a thief and a drug addict before. Everything is completely different.”
Reinhardt’s attorney said he has been receiving treatment for his addiction and mental health issues. “He’s appearing to have sobriety for the long term,” she said. “He’s come a long way.”
According to court records, he injected 100 units of heroin into his hand in the suicide attempt. Reinhardt was on probation at the time of his overdose. Deputies determined that jewelry found on Reinhardt belonged to a woman he was doing housework for. A judge had previously sentenced him to three years probation on convictions of larceny of more than $1,000 but less than $20,000 and larceny by conversion of between $1,000 and $20,000. Those charges stemmed from Reinhardt stealing his girlfriend’s EBT card and a prepaid Visa card.
Judge Gill told Reinhardt: “I think you have made significant progress.” He sentenced him to two years of probation with one year of jail in abeyance, which means Reinhardt will have to serve that time if he violates probation.
“I wish you the best of luck, Mr. Reinhardt,” Judge Gill said. “I’m glad you’re doing better.”
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