A New Jersey man, a former resident of Carbon County, was given a break on Thursday after he was allowed to withdraw his original plea in a drug-dealing case, to enter a new one to lesser counts. The deal was a reward for his two years of addressing a drug addiction problem in a special inpatient program.

William H. Hayes, 73, of Winslow, appeared before Judge Joseph J. Matika to be sentenced on a charge of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance-cocaine.Hayes was arrested on March 23, 2012, by agents of the state attorney general's office at his then residence, 1095 Fireline Road in Lower Towamensing Township. Agents obtained a search warrant after Hayes made a sale to a confidential informant.At the time of that plea, which occurred on Oct. 22, 2013, Hayes was told he faced a possible state prison term because of an extensive prior record that dated back to the 1970s.Since his plea Hayes entered a drug rehabilitation program in New York state. Court-appointed defense counsel, Attorney Stephen P. Vlossak Jr. said Hayes has been in the program for over two years. He said that was the reason for the large number of continuances granted by Judge Joseph J. Matika. As of Thursday court documents listed 17 continuances in the matter.Hayes said the program turned his life around and he finally addressed a long-standing drug problem he had suffered with over many, many years. He told Matika, "I'm more responsible. I have changed for the better."Matika said because of his long-term involvement in the drug program he would allow Hayes to withdraw his original plea.Hayes then pleaded to one count each of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.Matika then sentenced him to serve one day less 12 to one day less 24 months in prison on the first count and three to six months on the second, with the terms running concurrently.He gave him credit for 729 days spent in the drug rehab program which meant immediate parole for Hayes. He must also pay court costs of about $1,000.