Federal veterans treatment court created in Kentucky

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – A new veterans treatment court has been created in the federal Western District of Kentucky for former service members who commit nonviolent federal crimes.

The Courier-Journal (http://cjky.it/1RGcowi ) reports veterans in the program may undergo an 18-month treatment for medical issues traced to military service, such as mental illness and substance abuse. Federal prosecutors may reduce or dismiss charges after program completion.

U.S. Attorney John Kuhn recently announced the formation of the court. He says it allows the courts to be more effective in ways other than long-term incarceration.

Kuhn says the program is expected to serve about six veterans this year and perhaps twice that number next year.

The Western District of Kentucky stretches from Louisville to Paducah.

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Information from: The Courier-Journal, http://www.courier-journal.com

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.