Jonathan Allen Carpenter

KOSCIUSKO — A Columbia City man may be able to have a sentence modification by enrolling in a drug recovery program.

Jonathan Allen Carpenter, 2663 S. Raber Road, Columbia City, was charged with possession of methamphetamine, a level 5 felony; and possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor.

On Sept. 24, an officer with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department was called to a report of an unconscious subject in a vehicle. The subject, identified as Carpenter, appeared confused and disoriented when officers confronted him.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, officers observed a glass smoking device in the seat next to Carpenter, as well as an eye glass container that contained a crystal substance. The substance tested positive for methamphetamine.

Defense Attorney Scott Reust said Carpenter has four pending charges from cases in other counties, including St. Joseph and Fulton. During sentencing, Reust called Pastor Stephen Johnson, Oak Grove Church of God in Columbia City, to the stand.

Johnson asked Judge Michael Reed to consider allowing Carpenter to participate in the Wabash Valley Teen Challenge program. It is a 12-month residential church-based program. Churches cover the cost of addicts enrolling in the program.

“Your Honor, would you please give me a chance to change my life?” asked Carpenter.

Reed sentenced Carpenter to one year and 60 days in the Kosciusko County Jail, with 170 days of jail time credit. There was no objection to Carpenter serving the sentence through work release or community corrections. Reed also said he would leave open the possibility for sentence modification so that Carpenter can be enrolled in the Teen Challenge program. Carpenter’s driver’s license will also be suspended for one year upon release from incarceration.