Eric Swick

WARSAW — A Macy man was sentenced Thursday, Dec. 22, after stealing fishing gear early this year.

Eric Warren Swick, 13663 N. Macy Millark, Macy, was sentenced on two counts of burglary, both level 5 felonies.

Swick was sentenced on charges stemming from a theft in May from one of Swick’s relatives. A witness stated they saw Kurtis Gunkel and Swick arrive at a home and open the hood of a vehicle at the residence. One of the individuals pretended to work the on the motor of the vehicle, while the other went to the shed and stole items.

Fishing poles and a boat motor were later discovered missing from the home.

During the sentencing, Swick’s lawyer Andrew Grossnickle argued that Swick should be given a lighter sentencing because he believes Swick needs to provide for his dependent children. He also explained Swick has a substance abuse problem with heroin. Grossnickle emphasized that Swick has had no felony prior convictions, “This is the exception rather than the norm.”

Swick apologized for his actions.

Judge David Gates sentenced Swick to three years in the Kosciusko County Jail on both counts. The sentences are to be served concurrently. Gates suspended one year of his sentence to be served on probation.  Swick will receive 233 days of credit for jail time already served. Swick will have to pay $3,014.25 for the items he stole.