KOSCIUSKO — A Marion man was sentenced on two separate cases of home improvement fraud in Kosciusko Circuit Court today, Dec. 18.

James Michael Duncan Jr.

James Michael Duncan Jr., Marion, pled guilty to two counts of home improvement fraud, level 6 felonies. Pursuant to the plea agreement, three charges of home improvement fraud and one charge of theft were dropped.

Judge Michael Reed noted that Duncan has multiple court cases pending and convictions entered for similar charges in Kosciusko and other counties. Even Duncan’s attorney Matthew Buehler acknowledged this fact, “Mr. Duncan certainly has a criminal history.”

Duncan addressed the court before his sentencing today. “I just know that I made a mistake and I’d like to start making restitution to these people who need their money back.”

Judge Reed agreed that restitution needed to be made, but was still cautious to accept the plea agreement. “I am somewhat dubious of your comments based on your record and criminal history.”

In the end, Judge Reed accepted the plea agreement and sentenced Duncan to serve one year at the Kosciusko County Jail for each of the two home improvement charges. He ordered these sentences to be served concurrently to each other, but consequently to any previous judgments.

Judge Reed stated that he had no objection to Duncan serving the sentence in work release or community corrections if Duncan qualifies.

Restitution was ordered for four victims in the cases, totaling $3,406.30. It was noted that the restitution must be made before the completion of the sentence.

On Oct. 22, Duncan also pleaded guilty and was sentenced for theft and home improvement, both level 6 felonies, in a similar case in Kosciusko Circuit Court. For that sentence, he also received a one-year jail sentence, with the same conditions applied to community corrections or work release. That case carried restitution totaling $5,150.