Anthony Demske

KOSCIUSKO — A Bourbon man was sentenced in Kosciusko Circuit Court Friday, July 6, for drug charges that include dealing in methamphetamine.

Anthony Demske, 27, 16139 SR 331, Bourbon, was sentenced in five different cases. In three of the cases, Demske was charged with dealing in methamphetamine. In the fourth case, Demske was charged with dealing methamphetamine and dealing marijuana. In the fifth case, he was sentenced for possession of a controlled substance.

On Feb. 18, 2017, officers with the Warsaw Police Department conducted a traffic stop and discovered marijuana and methamphetamine in Demske’s vehicle. Demske admitted to officers that he sold marijuana and methamphetamine.

On April 26, 2017, officers conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Demske.

On Sept. 21, 2017, officers conducted a traffic stop and discovered marijuana, methamphetamine and 25 Alprazolam pills in Demske’s vehicle. Officers also located a bag of paraphernalia next to a minor in a car seat. Underneath the back seat of the vehicle, officers discovered a handgun.

On Aug. 8, 2017, officers conducted a traffic stop and discovered methamphetamine and lysergic acid, a schedule I controlled substance, in Demske’s vehicle.

On Oct. 5, 2017, officers conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Demske.

During sentencing, Defense Attorney Gregory Heller asked Demske what he’s thought about while incarcerated at Kosciusko County Jail.

“I just want the help to better my life, and I want to be a better father to my son,” said Demske.

Demske also stated that he’s participated in AA meetings and parenting classes while in jail.

Julia Morgan, Demske’s mother, was called to the stand and discussed how she’s helped her son. “I’ve done a lot of research to figure out how to help him,” said Morgan. “I could easily tell when there was or wasn’t drugs influencing my son when I had conversations with him.”

She also discussed the difficulties both she and Demske had getting him into a treatment program. “If you don’t get them [addicts] help, they’ll revert back to their old ways,” said Morgan.

Andrew Hicks, an employee with the Boca Recovery Center in Florida and former drug addict, also spoke at Demske’s sentencing. Hicks stated that he met Demske three years ago when he was still an addict. Hicks has been clean since February 2016. Demske reached out to Hicks 1 1/2 years ago because he wanted to seek treatment.

“He’s sincere about getting help, without a doubt,” said Hicks. Hicks stated that the Boca Recovery Center is willing to offer Demske a full scholarship program at the center to get treatment.

Prosecuting Attorney Dan Hampton asked the court to accept the plea agreement.

“Four out of the five cases here involve dealing,” said Hampton. “The fact remains here that the amount of danger from this behavior is substantial.”

Judge Michael Reed sentenced Demske to 15 years in the Indiana Department of Corrections, with 2 1/2 years to be served on suspended probation. He recommended Demske participate in a recovery program while incarcerated. The firearm discovered in the Sept. 21, 2017 case is to be sold or dismantled by the Warsaw Police Department.

“Treatment is a huge part in recovery, but so is personal responsibility,” said Reed. “Recovery is a process, and you’re in it right now.”