David Castillejo Sr.

WARSAW — A Warsaw man received a hefty sentence in Kosciusko Superior 1 Court Tuesday, Oct. 9, on charges related to burglaries that occurred in January of this year. 

David  Castillejo Sr., 37, 2441 West 250 S. 107, Warsaw, pleaded guilty to aiding in burglary and two counts of burglary, all level 4 felonies.

On Jan. 8, officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department responded to a burglary. The homeowner advised that sometime during the day unknown subjects fired the front door open and stole a 42-inch Vizio television a 32-inch Toshiba flat screen television and an Amazon fire stick. She reported the residence had been ransacked.

On Jan. 10, KCSD officers responded to another burglary. The homeowner stated that sometime during the day unknown subjects kicked in the door of the residence and stole an Xbox, Xbox games and jewelry. She advised the residence was ransacked. 

An investigation revealed that four individuals were involved in the burglaries, including Castillejo. One of the individuals involved in the burglaries admitted to selling the televisions and giving the money to Castillejo., who used the money to pay his REMC bill. 

In court today, Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Brad Voelz said, “Mr. Castillejo has a lot to answer for today. To his credit, he has stepped up and done so. He has pleaded guilty to those things he’s done.”

“David has something now that he’s never had in the past, and that’s a reason to value his freedom,” said Castillejo’s attorney, John D. Barrett. “He now has a grandchild that was born in April and, according to David, that has changed his life dramatically. He wants to be there for that grandchild.”

Castillejo Sr. told Judge David Cates that he wants to be a better example for his children and his grandchild.

“I’m here to pay my debt to society,” said Castillejo Sr.

Cates sentenced Castillejo Sr. to six years at the Indiana Department of Corrections on each of the three charges, for a total of 18 years. Two of the sentences were ordered to be served concurrently, meaning at the same time. 

Castillejo Sr. was ordered to reimburse the county $300 for court costs. He was given 47 days of jail time credit.