By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

Jarrod Scott Snyder

WARSAW — A Warsaw man will serve eight years in prison after stealing an ATV and being in possession of more than 30 grams of methamphetamine.

Jarrod Scott Snyder, 33, Warsaw, was charged with dealing in methamphetamine, a level 3 felony; and theft, a level 6 felony. Methamphetamine and marijuana possession charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Snyder was sentenced in Kosciusko Circuit Court on Monday, Dec. 14.

On April 8, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s officer was patrolling SR 13 when he saw an un-registered ATV traveling south on SR 13. When the officer turned around to pull the ATV over, he saw the ATV’s driver throw a backpack from the vehicle. The officer identified the driver as Snyder.

According to court documents, Snyder said he threw the backpack because it contained methamphetamine. Inside the backpack, officers found five small bags containing a total of 34 grams of methamphetamine, as well as multiple empty, unused bags. Snyder said the items in the backpack belonged to him.

Officers noticed the ATV Snyder had in his possession was being operated without a key and that the ignition system had been bypassed. It was determined that the ATV was reported as stolen from a residence in Cromwell. Snyder told officers that he received the ATV from a friend.

During court proceedings, Defense Attorney John Barrett said he looked into options for sentencing alternatives for Snyder; however, Snyder was denied for both community corrections and drug court.

“He’s an intelligent guy and has the ability to be successful if he gets help with his drug problem,” said Barrett.

Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed noted that the denials were more than likely due to Snyder’s prior conduct as well as being on parole until 2024.

For dealing in methamphetamine, Judge Reed sentenced Snyder to eight years in the Indiana Department of Corrections; Snyder was also sentenced to one year in DoC for theft. Both counts will be served concurrently, or at the same time. Reed also recommended Snyder complete the Recovery While Incarcerated program as part of his sentence. If Snyder completes the program, does not use drugs in prison and remains conduct clear, his sentence could be modified.

“I want you to go down there and work hard,” said Reed.