By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

John Brown Christian

WARSAW — A 72-year-old Syracuse man will serve three years in prison after officers found more than 20 grams of methamphetamine at his residence.

John Brown Christian, 72, 4484 E. 1300N, Syracuse, was charged with possession of methamphetamine, a level 4 felony. Two additional criminal charges, as well as a methamphetamine dealing case, were all dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Christian was sentenced in Kosciusko Circuit Court on Monday, Dec. 13.

On Nov. 15, 2019, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s deputy assisted in a Department of Child Services visit at a Syracuse residence. The deputy was aware of drug activity occurring at the residence, and the DCS visit was regarding drug activity at the home. Three adults, including Christian, as well as multiple children, resided there.

According to court documents, a K9 unit made a positive alert on a garage at the property. Inside the garage, officers found a glass pipe containing methamphetamine residue. They also found a bag containing about 21.9 grams of methamphetamine. Christian told officers he was the owner of the items.

During court proceedings, Christian’s employer, Don Strouse, spoke on Christian’s behalf. Strouse is the owner of Colbin Tool Company Inc. in Syracuse.

Strouse said Christian has been employed at his business for an extended period of time.

“He’s always done a good job,” said Strouse. “He hasn’t been a problem, there’s been no disciplinary problems. He’s always been a good employee, and trustworthy.”

Several of Christian’s family members also were present in the courtroom in support of Christian.

Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed noted Christian’s prior criminal record. Because of his record, Christian is ineligible for participation in the county’s work release and community corrections programs.

“You’ve burned the bridges and tied my hands,” said Judge Reed.

For possession of methamphetamine, Christian received a six-year sentence at the Indiana Department of Correction. The first three years of the sentence will be executed and the final three years were suspended on probation.

Judge Reed also recommended Christian for DoC’s Recovery While Incarcerated program.