Colin Harker

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Colin Harker was sentenced to six years at the Indiana Department of Corrections in Kosciusko Superior Court 1 Thursday, Feb. 14. 

Harker, 48, who has previous addresses showing as 17360 US 13, Edwardsburg, Mich., and 9364 W. CR 200N, Cromwell, said he currently resides in Mishawaka. He was sentenced in court today on charges in two separate cases.

In case F4-974, Harker pleaded guilty to burglary, a level 5 felony. In case F4-083, Harker pleaded guilty to burglary, a level 5 felony.

The affidavit of probable cause shows that on Sept. 29, 2017, a deputy with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office responded to a burglary and theft complaint, made by a male subject who discovered that someone had gained entry into his house and removed a wood stove, along with a barrel of scrap copper, a generator and a power drain cleaner from a storage trailer.

On Dec. 6, 2017, charges were filed in Kosciusko Superior Court 1 against Harker regarding a burglary and theft on the same subject’s property. That incident took place Dec. 5, 2017. On Dec. 26, 2017, police spoke with Harker about the Sept. 29 theft. He allegedly admitted that he had entered the male subject’s home prior to the Dec. 5 burglary. He further admitted to taking a shop-vac from the property.

Court documents show Harker was found guilty of theft April 15, 2015; conversion on March 23, 2010; and theft on April 30, 2008.

In court today, Harker said that when those incidents took place he was not working and was “just trying to get high.”

Harker and his lawyer, Benjamin Vanderpool, told Judge David Cates that Harker has been attempting to turn his life around since that time. 

“I’ve been working every day. I’ve got insurance,” said Harker, who said he also got his license back after not having a driver’s license for 20 years. 

Vanderpool requested that Harker be allowed to serve any sentence imposed through work release or community corrections.

“I looked through Mr. Harker’s lengthy criminal history,” said Chief Deputy Prosecutor Brad Voelz. “What makes him keep coming back to us to face consequences? He’s had a chance over and over throughout the years to address his substance abuse issue, but he hasn’t done it.”

“He hasn’t physically harmed anyone,” Voelz said, “but he has no regard for other people’s property.”

“You have a substantial criminal history,” Cates said to Harker. “These weren’t mistakes. They were choices – and you made those choices.”

Cates imposed a three year sentence at the Indiana Department of Corrections for each burglary charge, for a total of six years. The sentences were ordered to be served consecutively. 

Cates stated he would have no objection to Harker serving the sentences through the Kosciusko County Work Release Program, provided Harker is qualified and accepted into the program. 

If the sentence, or any portion of the sentence, is served at IDOC, Cates ordered that Harker participate in the Recovery While Incarcerated program. 

Harker was given a total of nine days of jail time credit and ordered to pay court fines and costs. He was ordered to have no contact with the victim.