KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Several individuals were scheduled to appear Monday, Jan. 18, in Kosciusko County Circuit Court before Judge Michael Reed in regards to the sentencing of prior drug charges.

Sabas Muniz

Sabas Valencia Muniz

Scheduled to appear before Reed for a pre-trial hearing, Sabas Muniz, 41, 544 E. Main St., Warsaw, accelerated the judicial process by requesting to be immediately sentenced following his plea hearing.

Muniz, represented by Scott E. Reust, entered a plea agreement, dropping the two level six felony charges of possession of cocaine and resisting law enforcement to two misdemeanor charges.

Reed noted Muniz currently has two pending misdemeanor charges of operating a vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more, a C misdemeanor; and operating a vehicle with an ACE of .15 percent or more, an A misdemeanor.

After accepting the guilty plea, Reed moved on to sentencing in accordance to the request from Muniz. Muniz asked to be allowed a few days to get his affairs in order before being incarcerated. This request, however, was denied by Reed.

Muniz was sentenced to one year for both charges to run consecutive with one year suspended. Muniz’s sentence was ruled to start immediately after the closing of the hearing. Reed noted he would receive credit plus good time credit for his time served from July 13 to Oct. 28, 2015.

Carrie Schambers

Carrie Schambers

Carrie Schambers, 47, 50 EMS B4 Lane, Leesburg, appeared before Judge Reed for the pending acceptance of a plea agreement entered Dec. 29, 2015, for one count of possession of methamphetamine, a level 5 felony charge; and possession of chemical reagents or precursors with the intent to manufacture or sell a controlled substance, also a level 5 felony charge.

Pursuant with the plea agreement, which Reed accepted, Schambers was found guilty of possession of methamphetamine. The second charge was dropped in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Schambers was sentenced to a one year suspended sentence with credit for three days served and three days good time credit.

As customary with drug charges, Schambers was ordered to pay a drug interdiction fee, a fine and all court costs for her legal representative, Jay Rigdon. She must also perform 40 hours of community service.

Timothy Joe Hofmann

Timothy J. Hofmann 

Faced with charges of unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious, violent felon, a level 4 felony charge; possession of methamphetamine, a level 5 felony charge; and auto theft, a level 6 felony charge, Timothy J. Hofmann, 30, 6281 E. Margaret Drive, Syracuse, appeared before Judge Reed for the pending acceptance of a plea agreement, entered Dec. 10, 2015.

Hofmann’s attorney, Jay Rigdon, noted Hofmann has made numerous mistakes in the past and is now hoping to utilize his sentence to ensure a better future.

Reed noted though he would like to help Hofmann more, his “hands were tied” by the fact he had “dug his hole so deep.”

Hoffman was found guilty of possession of a firearm, which will carry a six year sentence; and possession of meth, which will carry a one year sentence. These charges are to run consecutive at the IDOC. Hofmann was ordered to pay a $100 fine, drug interdiction fee and all legal costs. He was given 167 days credit for time served in addition to good time credit.