WARSAW — A Warsaw teenager is being treated like an adult — and not in a good way — based on what court officials say is a pattern of criminal behavior that belies the dependent’s age.

Danny Tyler Combs

Danny Tyler Combs, 17, Warsaw, appeared in Kosciusko County Superior Court 1 on Thursday, Sept. 20, to be sentenced for criminal confinement, a level 5 felony, and intimidation, a level 6 felony. Combs had already familiarized himself with the inside of courtrooms, having been sentenced on other crimes last year after being waived into adult court.

“His criminal history makes a person think he’s got a criminal attitude of a person twice his age,” said Prosecutor Brad Voelz. “What a terrible thing to do.”

The specifics of the crimes in the case are not available.

Combs’ attorney, Christopher Kehler, told Judge David Cates that despite his criminal resume, Combs’ age should still receive consideration.

“His age is concerning to me,” Kehler said.

Combs told the judge through his attorney that he wanted to be given a maximum sentence, but wished to have the sentence commuted to something like probation in order to “give him a chance to prove himself to you.”

Combs attributed his past crimes to substance abuse and said that he’s been behind bars for a long time, adding that while in jail, he’s been sober.

Cates sentenced Combs to three years for criminal confinement and one year for intimidation, all to be served at the Indiana Department of Corrections. He gave the defendant credit for 224 days time served. Cates also said he would recommend an IDOC program called Purposeful Incarceration, which targets addicts and treats them with a goal of re-entry into society.

“You have a substantial criminal history,” said Cates. “But, if you complete it, I will consider a sentence modification.”