Story Archive

Ward of the State

Darene Springs Weston, 43, went to Rock Hill (S.C.) Municipal Court, allegedly identified herself as her own mother, and tried to present a forged document declaring her dead so that she could avoid drunk driving charges. The court clerk, however, recognized Weston and called the police. She was arrested and charged with obstruction of justice. In court, when Judge Dolores Williams noted Weston did that “in an attempt to get four court cases dismissed due to the defendant being dead,” Weston asked, “If I plead guilty can I get my cases to run concurrent?” The judge said no: the drunk driving charge was only a misdemeanor, but the obstruction of justice charge is a felony: she’s facing up to 10 years in prison. Huh, Weston said: “I’m going to do time for that.” Meanwhile, the judge gave her 90 days in jail for failure to appear in court, giving false information to police, DUI, driving with a suspended license, and having an open alcohol container in her vehicle. She also has pending cases for drug possession and larceny. “Are you out on bond for a drug charge?” the judge asked her. “Yes, but the drugs were mine,” Weston answered. (RC/Rock Hill Herald) ...Drugs may make people stupid, but it sounds like she had a running start.