By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

Mark Edward Thurman

WARSAW — A Warsaw man will serve five years in prison after dealing drugs to an undercover officer.

Mark Edward Thurman, 49, Warsaw, was charged with dealing in methamphetamine, a level 3 felony. A methamphetamine possession charge, as well as a second methamphetamine dealing case, were all dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Thurman was sentenced in Kosciusko Circuit Court on Thursday, Feb. 4.

On June 4, 2019, the drug task force made a controlled purchase of 14 grams of methamphetamine from Thurman.

During court proceedings, Brian Jackson with Serenity House, testified on behalf of Thurman. Jackson said he’s known Thurman for about five years and that he’s been involved in the Serenity House program since late 2019.

Jackson said initially, Thurman was a “tough nut to crack” with starting him on a path to recovery. However, Jackson said Thurman has done very well and is even an executive senior house resident at Serenity House. With this title, Thurman manages the house while Jackson is not there. Jackson also noted Thurman has not relapsed since starting the program.

“I’ve seen a lot of the hard work he’s put into himself,” said Jackson. “He’s steadfast, still working with the program and is gainfully employed. He’s well on his way to being a productive member of society.”

Defense Attorney David Kolbe asked those in the courtroom who were there in support of Thurman to stand. Five people stood.

“He’s done some really good things,” said Kolbe about Thurman’s progress. “We solve nothing (with addiction) through a cement box with bars. Our ultimate goal here is rehabilitation.”

Kolbe asked Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed to consider placing Thurman into Michiana Community Corrections with ankle monitoring.

Judge Reed noted Thurman’s successes but also mentioned that Thurman has had 28 criminal convictions within 20-plus years.

“I always want you to be successful,” said Judge Reed. “It’s going to be a long path for a long time. But letting you walk out of here is an unrealistic request. This isn’t because you’re an addict. It’s because of the criminal conduct and having a handgun while you’re a convicted felon. I can’t let that go unpunished.”

For dealing methamphetamine, Judge Reed sentenced Thurman to seven years in prison, with the last two years of the sentence suspended on probation.

Thurman was also recommended for the Recovery While Incarcerated program and must pay $300 in restitution to NET43 Drug Task Force. He also has 104 days of jail time credit in this case.