WARSAW  — A Nappanee man was sentenced this morning for a string of burglaries that occurred in July.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, a homeowner told police she saw a teal or green-colored pickup truck pull into her driveway Monday evening, July 11. The driver left the truck, went into her barn and returned, carrying the generator, which he loaded into the truck before driving off.

Joshua Kauffman

The suspect was later identified as Joshua Cain Kauffman, 35, 6943 W. CR 800N, Nappanee.

Officers spoke with Kauffman on Monday, July 18, who told them he had stolen a number of generators in northern Kosciusko County. He admitted he specifically targeted the Amish, believing they would be less likely to prosecute because they do not keep phones in their homes.

In all, Kauffman named five different homes where he had stolen generators, including one from his father. Kauffman also confessed to having stolen a microwave oven, a chainsaw and a trimmer.

During his sentencing today, Nov. 10, Kauffman pled guilty to the burglaries and stated the crimes all stemmed from a heroin addiction.

“I learned my lesson,” he said to the court. “I screwed up for about a month and half of my life and I hope that month and half doesn’t effect the next four to five years of my life.”

Judge David Cates found Kauffman guilty of two counts of burglary, both level 5 felonies. He was sentenced to three years for each count, to be served consecutively. The judge suspended the last three years of the sentence, to be served on formal probation.

Kauffman will receive 108 days jail time credit for time served. He was recommended for work release or community correction is he qualifies. While serving probation he will have to attend Bowen Center for substance abuse treatment.