Man sentenced to year in jail 3 days after showing up in court high on heroin

ALBION – On Monday, a Williamson man showed up in court an hour late for his sentencing. Nathan L. Parsad, 24, struggled to stand up and keep his eyes open while in court.

Orleans County Court Judge James Punch delayed the sentencing for three days because Parsad was under the influence of drugs. Parsad admitted in court on Monday he had recently used heroin and another drug.

Today, Parsad spoke clearly and stood up straight during sentencing.

“I would like to apologize for the other day,” he told Judge Punch during sentencing.

Parsad’s attorney, Nathan Pace, said Parsad has struggled with drug addictions for several years, despite the support of a loving family.

Parsad was driving on Jan. 12 on Ridge Road in Gaines when he was in an accident. Parsad and two of his passengers – Caitlin E. Jones, 29, of Canandaigua and Eric L. Shirley, 28, of Canandaigua – all faced drug charges after police found drugs in the vehicle.

Parsad applied to be in the county’s Drug Court, which can result in reduced charges with successful completion of the program. But he was removed from Drug Court after testing positive for drug use.

He could have faced up to 2 ½ years in state prison for criminal possession of a controlled substance. As part of a plea deal, he was given a maximum of a year in jail.

Punch told Parsad his actions have an effect not only on him, but society. The judge said Parsad poses a danger to the community because he has a history of selling drugs, and operating vehicles under the influence of drugs.

“Frankly, you’re a mess,” the judge said. “Your condition here on Monday, that was really disturbing. I could see first-hand what cocaine and heroin can do to an otherwise healthy, intelligent person.”

Parsad declined probation, which could have required treatment. The judge said Parsad has rejected treatment.

“I hope you find redemption on your own,” Punch told Parsad when he was sentenced to jail.