John Verner Rogers Jr.

WARSAW — A Claypool man received a sentence of six years at the Indiana Department of Corrections Monday, April 16, in Kosciusko County Circuit Court.

John Verner Rogers Jr., 29, 102 W. Noah St., Claypool, was found guilty of dealing in methamphetamine, a level 3 felony. 

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on Sept.15, 2017, Rogers sold 4 grams of methamphetamine to an individual. On Sept. 18, officers witnessed Rogers sell 8 ounces of methamphetamine for $400. Following the transaction, a vehicle stop was conducted, and during the search of the vehicle an additional 5 grams of methamphetamine was located in the vehicle.

Rogers asked for leniency, telling Judge Michael Reed that he has three children and a wife who need him. He said his daughter wrote out a list of five things she wanted him to do, including get a job, a car and a place to live and to stop drinking and using drugs. 

“It hit home with me,” said Rogers, “It broke my heart that a 9-year-old girl has figured that out – the key essential tools that you need to be productive in life.”

“I’ve never really admitted that I have an addiction problem,” Rogers added.

“Easy to write down, harder to accomplish,” said Reed. “It’s a serious offense. It’s kind of unrealistic to not require you to have some accountability for what you did, but at the same point in time I want to see you get treatment.”

“Recognition of the problem is the first step,” Reed stated.

Rogers was sentenced to six years at IDOC. Upon successful completion of a clinically appropriate substance abuse program by Rogers and if Rogers remains conduct clear, Reed agreed to consider modification of the sentence. The sentence was ordered to be served consecutive to any sentence imposed in another pending case. 

Rogers was ordered to make restitution to the Warsaw Police Department and to pay court costs and a drug interdiction fee. He was given 36 days of jail time credit. 

Pursuant to the plea agreement, three other charges were dismissed.