The Lancaster County Veterans Treatment Court celebrated the graduation of Ted Buford in Lincoln on April 20, 2023. For the Veterans Treatment Court graduate, the ceremony marks the completion of an intensive program of comprehensive mental health treatment, intensive community supervision, and full accountability. Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate’s charges are dismissed.  Veterans Treatment Court Judge Kevin McManaman presided over the ceremony.

Pictured (left to right) are graduate Ted Buford, Judge Kevin McManaman, and Judge John Colborn.

Veterans Treatment Courts are an alternate route through the criminal justice system for nonviolent drug-related offenders, utilizing a specialized team process that functions within the existing court structure. The courts are designed to achieve a reduction in recidivism and substance use among individuals with substance use disorders. The court aims to protect public safety and increase the participant's likelihood of successful rehabilitation by utilizing validated risk and need assessments, early and individualized behavioral health treatment, frequent and random chemical testing, incentives, sanctions, and other rehabilitative and ancillary services.

Members of the Lancaster Veterans Treatment Court Team include Judge Kevin McManaman, Judge John A. Colborn (ret), County Attorneys Pat Condon and Chris Seifert, Public Defenders Webb Bancroft and Matthew F. Meyerle, Veterans Advocate and Vietnam Veteran Ken Colson, Veterans Justice Outreach Social Worker Sandra Miller, Veterans Affairs Substance Abuse Supervisor Investigator Mary Ann Thompson, Veterans Affairs Substance Abuse Pam Echols, Lincoln Police Department Tim Dolberg, District 3A Chief Probation Officer Jeff Curry, Problem-Solving Court Coordinator Erminda Millan-Groves, Veterans Treatment Court Probation Officers Jordan Boies and Jared Baker, and Assistant Probation Officer Angelica Menendez.

For additional information, please contact:

Erminda Millan-Groves, Problem-Solving Court Coordinator
Ph: (402) 580-7487                 Email: erminda.millan-groves@nebraska.gov