Wawasee Senior Receives Community Corrections, Probation For Burglary of Over $100,000
SYRACUSE — A Wawasee High School senior appeared in court today, Thursday, Oct. 27 for sentencing on two charges.
Austin P. Davidson, 18, 8181 E. Constitution Drive, Syracuse, was charged with burglary, a level 4 felony, for an incident that occurred in October 2015 and possession of a narcotic drug, a level 6 felony.
Court documents state the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department went to the home of Jeffery Dunithan for a burglary and theft report on Oct. 21. A safe was found missing and screens on windows had been removed. A rock had also been found thrown through another window as well as attempts to pry open several windows.
Once inside the house it is believed the individual went directly to the safe leaving flat screen televisions, a laptop, headphones and other electronic devices untouched. The safe was not in plain view and contained passports, change, wedding photos, jewelry and a large amount of cash. The cash was from Dunithan’s son’s disability checks, converted into $100 bills.
During the investigation it was learned Dunithan’s son, who has a mild mental disability, was being taken advantage of at school. Students were selling him items at high prices, as the juvenile does not understand the concept of money. While only certain individuals knew the location of the safe, including his son, it was learned the son had told several students about the safe’s existence and location. A list of suspects was created and police began talking with the suspects, including Davidson.
Through the investigation and speaking with several juveniles involved, it was learned Davidson and another juvenile broke into the house, loaded the safe in Davidson’s vehicle and went to the “club house.” A crowbar and hammer were used to break open the safe. Non-cash items were burned or thrown into the fireplace. The cash was placed in Davidson’s vehicle and taken to his residence.
Police were only able to recover less than one-fourth of the money.
During the sentencing, Katie Hampton, deputy prosecuting attorney, spoke on behalf of the state. “This offense wasn’t merely the taking of property, she said. “While he [Davidson] is young, he still needs to be held to a high standard based on the seriousness of this offense. ”
Davidson had no comment when Judge David Cates addressed him.
“You need to address your substance abuse problems,” said Judge Cates. “I also want to know where the money went. I haven’t heard from anyone where they money went.”
Judge Cates also defined zero tolerance to Davison, which is the standard he will be held to moving forward.
Davidson was sentenced to six years served for burglary and one year for possession of a narcotic drug. These terms are to be served concurrently, at the same time. The judge suspended the final four years of the sentence to be served on formal probation. The other two years will be served with the Department of Community Corrections.
The judge then stated conditions of the sentencing. While in Community Corrections, Davidson must remain a resident at Serenity House. Davidson will be subject to random drug testing and must not consume any alcohol. He is to remain employed part-time and must receive his degree from Wawasee High School. He will perform 60 hours of community service.
Davidson must also pay restitution in full, $107,861.09 to Dunithan and $10,663.12 to an insurance company.