WARSAW — Attorney John Barrett made a note of his client’s slight build during a sentencing hearing Thursday, Jan. 17, and expressed concern about how the young man would fare in prison.

“At 5-7 and 120 pounds, I am extremely concerned that he would be victimized if he were to go to the Department of Corrections,” said Barrett.

Matthew Seabolt, 18, 208 Washington St., Millersburg, was waived into adult court and originally charged with battery by means of a deadly weapon, a level 5 felony; dealing in marijuana, a level 5 felony; criminal recklessness, a level 6 felony and possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor.

Matthew Seabolt

On Dec. 11, 2018, Seabolt appeared in court and pleaded guilty to dealing marijuana and criminal recklessness.

According to statements made in court, Seabolt allegedly was involved in an altercation that originated from an attempted home invasion that Barrett said was related to his dealing activities.

“You’re not telling me that selling marijuana with a weapon is somehow less serious than selling heroin with a weapon,” said Reed. He also took exception to comments made about Seabolt’s desire to be placed on probation so he can seek help for chemical dependency. “So, he’s not going to quit if he doesn’t get probation?” Reed said.

Reed advised Seabolt to take his situation seriously. “If you run with the big dogs, you’re going to get bitten,” Reed said.

Reed sentenced Seabolt to three years for dealing and one year for criminal recklessness. The two sentences were ordered to be served at the same time. In addition, Reed converted the Indiana Department of Corrections component of the sentence to time at the county jail and suspended the last year of the term in favor of probation. Reed also gave Seabolt until Jan. 22 to be enrolled in the community corrections program.