A Carbon County judge sentenced a Palmerton woman to a state prison term on a retail theft charge so she can get help for a long-term drug addiction problem.

Judge Joseph J. Matika sentenced Zoey Danielle Bartenope, 20, to serve three to 12 months in a state correction institution. She previously pleaded to the charge. She was arrested on June 26, 2017, at the Fuel Up in Nesquehoning where she took merchandise valued at $18.67.

Bartenope said she has been using drugs since she was 13. She admitted to the court that the only help she has sought has been in the county prison. She has been in the county prison for almost a year and is currently serving a prison term of six to one day less 24 months imposed a few weeks ago by Judge Steven R. Serfass.

Matika told her, “You haven’t done anything except go out and commit crimes.” He added, “You won’t help yourself, so I’m going to have to help you.”

Matika said by sending her to a state prison she will get the kind of inpatient drug help she needs to address her addiction. He ruled his sentence to run consecutive to the term she is presently serving.

He also ordered her to supply a DNA sample, get a drug and alcohol evaluation, zero tolerance for drug or alcohol use, make restitution of $14.92 to the victim, when released on parole render 50 hours of community service, pay court costs of about $1,000 and stay out of the store.