Man Sentenced To Five Years For Firearm Conviction
By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews
WARSAW — A Warsaw man was sentenced to five years in prison after possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
David Timothy Gunter, 35, 944 E. Garfield St., Warsaw, was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, a level 4 felony; and possession of methamphetamine, a level 6 felony. An unlawful possession of a syringe charge was dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
Gunter was sentenced in Kosciusko Circuit Court on Monday, Nov. 16.
On March 23, a Warsaw Police officer noticed suspicious activity from a vehicle. The officer saw the vehicle’s driver not signal a proper lane change and also noticed the vehicle’s registration return did not match the motor vehicle; this resulted in the officer seeking to speak with the driver, later identified as Gunter.
Gunter admitted to having warrants for his arrest and was asked if he had any weapons in his possession. According to court documents, Gunter admitted to having a pistol in his pocket. A syringe in his possession tested positive for methamphetamine.
Gunter has a dealing in methamphetamine conviction, qualifying Gunter as a serious violent felon in possession of a firearm.
“There was no malice or forethought with the firearm being with him,” said Defense Attorney Jay Rigdon, who noted Gunter has substance abuse issues and needs treatment.
Gunter also apologized in court for his actions.
“All of this was really stupid of me,” said Gunter.
For possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed sentenced Gunter to four years in prison. Reed also sentenced Gunter to one year for possession of methamphetamine. Each charge will be served consecutively to each other; the sentence in this case will also be served consecutively to two other criminal cases. Reed also recommended Gunter complete the Recovery While Incarcerated program.
“You’ve got to want to help yourself,” said Judge Reed.