Illegal Weapons Charge Part Of Sentence for Habitual Traffic Offender
By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews
WARSAW — A Warsaw man will serve three years in prison after being convicted as a habitual traffic offender and being found in possession of an AR-style rifle without a license.
Robert Wayne Oldaker, 30, 862 E. CR 400S, Warsaw, was charged with operating a motor vehicle after being a habitual traffic offender and possession of a narcotic drug, both level 6 felonies; and carrying a handgun without a license, a level 5 felony. Syringe and paraphernalia possession charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
Oldaker was sentenced in Kosciusko Superior Court Three on Tuesday, Jan. 26.
On June 4, 2020, an Indiana State Trooper noticed a speeding vehicle with a very loud muffler. The officer pulled the vehicle over and identified Oldaker as the driver. While speaking with Oldaker, the officer noticed an AR-style rifle between Oldaker’s leg and the vehicle’s door.
Court documents state that at the time of this incident, there was an active warrant for Oldaker’s arrest and that his driver’s license status was marked as habitual traffic violator.
While searching Oldaker’s vehicle, officers found multiple syringes, one of which tested positive for the presence of heroin. One loaded magazine and one unloaded magazine were also found in the vehicle. Oldaker is a convicted felon and did not have a permit for the firearm.
During court proceedings, Defense Attorney Jay Miller said Oldaker has taken a lot of action on his own part to address his substance abuse issues and wants to continue moving forward with bettering himself.
“He’s ready for a fresh start and to get away from certain people,” said Miller.
For operating a vehicle as a habitual traffic offender and possession of a narcotic drug, Kosciusko Superior Court Three Judge Chad Miner sentenced Oldaker to 2 1/2 years in prison on each count; 1 1/2 years on each count was suspended on probation. Oldaker also received a 4 1/2 year sentence for carrying a handgun without a license, with 1 1/2 years suspended on probation.
All three charges will be served concurrently, or at the same time. The case will also be served consecutively to three additional criminal cases.
In total, Oldaker will serve three years in prison and 1 1/2 years on probation.