Jerry W. Jilton

KOSCIUSKO — A Syracuse man was sentenced to five years in the Indiana Department of Corrections in Kosciusko Circuit Court Wednesday, Dec. 26, for dealing methamphetamine while children were present at a residence.

Jerry Wayne Jilton, 29, 509 Prairie Drive, Syracuse, through a plea agreement, pleaded guilty to dealing in methamphetamine, a level 4 felony, as a lesser included offense of dealing in methamphetamine enhancing circumstances, a level 2 felony. An enhanced charge of possession of methamphetamine, a level 4 felony, was dismissed.

A previous investigation led to an arrest warrant for Jilton after he dealt methamphetamine while children were present in a Kosciusko County residence.

Defense attorney Christopher Kehler said that Jilton is willing to participate in the Recovery While Incarcerated program and has been accepted to community corrections.

“I have a great support system and I want to keep my head where it’s at,” said Jilton.

Judge Michael Reed sentenced Jilton to five years in the Indiana Department of Corrections, with two years of the sentence to be served on formal probation. Reed said Jilton must complete the Recovery While Incarcerated program in order for him to consider modifying the sentence. Jilton is also required to pay $400 in restitution to the Warsaw Police Department.

“This is a very serious offense,” said Reed. “Dealing is a very, very serious offense.”