Taylor Aaron Julian

KOSCIUSKO — A Claypool man was sentenced to two years in the Kosciusko County Jail in Kosciusko County Circuit Court Monday, March 25, but will serve the remainder of the sentence on probation.

Taylor Aaron Julian, 28, 2307 West CR 800S, Claypool, pleaded guilty to possession of a narcotic drug, a level 6 felony. 

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on June 18, 2018, officers with the Warsaw Police Department observed a vehicle at a Marathon Gas Station with a male driver and female passenger. Another vehicle was parked nearby, and an occupant from that vehicle got into the first vehicle. 

Officers approached the vehicle and recognized the driver as Julian, who had an active arrest warrant, along with the female in the front passenger seat and the male from the other vehicle sitting in the back seat. After arresting Julian on the active warrant, police searched Julian and found a loaded syringe, two spoons and a half gram of a gray substance that field-tested positive for heroin, a schedule I narcotic drug. 

A K-9 performed an outer air search of the vehicle Julian was driving and made a positive alert. Officers then searched the vehicle and located digital scales and small empty baggies. 

Officers spoke with the female passenger, who admitted that the vehicle was hers. She further admitted they drove her vehicle to South Bend to obtain heroin, purchased the heroin and then drove back to Kosciusko County to meet with the male at the gas station. According to the female, they were getting ready to inject heroin when police arrived.  

In court today, Julian’s attorney, Chris Kehler, said he is impressed with Julian’s acknowledgment of the mistakes he’s made. 

Judge Michael Reed sentenced Julian to two years in the Kosciusko County Jail. Julian was given jail time credit of 188 days. With good time credit applied, that brings the total to 376 days. 

Reed suspended the remaining portion of the sentence and ordered it to be served on formal probation. Julian was ordered to complete a substance abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment. Pursuant to the plea agreement, a remaining charge was dismissed.