FORMER PUBLIC REGULATION COMMISSIONER JEROME BLOCK JR. WILL STAY OUT OF PRISON DESPITE VIOLATING HIS PROBATION. PROSECUTORS WANTED BLOCK SENT TO PRISON FOR FAILING A DRUG TEST. BUT DISTRICT JUDGE MARY MARLOWE SOMMER ORDERED BLOCK TO REJOIN A REHAB PROGRAM INSTEAD.
BLOCK ADMITTED DURING HIS HEARING THIS WEEK THAT HE'S A DRUG ADDICT WHO RELAPSED. THE 37 YEAR OLD IS ON PROBATION AFTER BEING CONVICTED OF FRAUDULENT USE OF A STATE CREDIT CARD, VIOLATING CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAWS, AND EMBEZZLING PUBLIC FUNDS DURING HIS 2008 CAMPAIGN.
