By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

Tina Marie Cole

WARSAW — A Silver Lake woman will serve a year in jail for violating her rules of probation after she battered a police officer.

Tina Marie Cole, 38, 106 S. High St., Silver Lake, was charged with battery against a public safety official, a level 6 felony.

Cole was sentenced for a probation violation regarding this case in Kosciusko Superior Court 3 on Tuesday, May 12.

On Aug. 4, 2018, a Silver Lake police officer responded to a report of a fight at a residence. When the officer arrived, he spoke with Cole, who was yelling, screaming and being uncooperative. As the officer attempted to take Cole into custody, she immediately kicked the officer twice in the groin, causing him intense pain and dizziness. During the struggle, the officer received several scrapes and lacerations to his knees and legs.

Cole remained agitated and combative while being taken to the Kosciusko County Jail.

She was sentenced in this matter in May of 2019 and received a two-year jail sentence, with one year suspended on probation. However, Cole filed a request to modify her jail placement in June 2019 and was placed into the home detention program overseen by Kosciusko County’s Community Corrections office. A petition to revoke her participation in the program was filed in August 2019.

Prior to Cole’s last court appearance before her sentencing, the Kosciusko County Probation Department administered a drug test. According to probation officers, she tested positive for methamphetamine.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Sobek said Cole has “contested every step of proceedings” since she violated her rules of probation and that “the probation department doesn’t desire to have her back.”

Defense Attorney Antony Garza asked the court to consider a suspended sentence for Cole.

“I need help,” said Cole. “It’s what I need. I’m trying.”

Judge Joe Sutton revoked Cole’s probation and ordered her to serve one year in the Kosciusko County Jail. Sutton said he did not object to work release but that he did object to home detention.

“This is an effort to help you,” said Sutton. “You’re in the fight of your life.”