A Warsaw man who violated the conditions of his drug court program has been ordered to serve four years in the Indiana Department of Correction.
James Dale Hughes, 52, of 1030 E. Winona Ave., Apartment 2, Warsaw, was booked into the Kosciusko County Jail on Nov. 3 after officials determined he failed to follow drug court requirements. His violation triggered the execution of two previously suspended sentences from a plea agreement:
• Possession of methamphetamine — Level 6 felony
• Possession of 10–28 grams of methamphetamine — Level 4 felony
Defense Attorney Jack Birch told the court that Hughes accepts responsibility for driving while suspended, which led to his return before the judge. Birch also said Hughes is applying for the county’s Work Release program and believes he would perform well there.
Hughes told the court he was grateful for the opportunity to participate in drug court and acknowledged that his “idiotic decisions” put him in this position. “I would’ve been dead if not for drug court,” he said.
Judge Matt Buehler emphasized that Hughes’ termination resulted from dishonesty, not lack of progress. “I want—no, I need—you to understand that you were terminated because of your refusal to be honest,” Buehler said, noting Hughes had been explicitly told what he could and could not do.
The judge acknowledged Hughes’ progress and said he would suspend the DOC sentence and transfer the four years to Work Release, provided Hughes is accepted into the program. However, Hughes also has an active case in Allen County, and if that case results in a DOC sentence, he would be ineligible for Work Release.
“Continue to keep up the good work,” Judge Buehler said before adjourning.