By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

Ricky Derrll Daniels

WARSAW — A Warsaw man received a six-year prison sentence after dealing drugs to undercover officers.

Ricky Derrll Daniels, 62, 3762 W. Old Road 30 Lot 55, Warsaw, was charged with dealing methamphetamine, a level 4 felony. Four additional criminal charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Daniels was sentenced in Kosciusko Circuit Court on Thursday, June 16.

Sometime in October 2020, a NET43 Drug Task Force unit made a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Daniels. An informant provided Daniels with NET43 documented funds in exchange for more than three grams of methamphetamine, according to court paperwork.

On Oct. 8, 2020, a NET43 unit made a controlled purchase of more than seven grams of methamphetamine from Daniels. While being taken into custody, Daniels had more than 15 grams of methamphetamine on his person.

Daniels was previously scheduled for sentencing on Monday, June 13. However, his sentencing was continued to June 16 to allow for more filing time on a pre-sentence investigation report.

At the time, a hearing was held regarding a bond revocation for Daniels, who violated home detention rules. During a home visit on May 18, Home Detention Officer Dee Monroy found a black pouch containing bags with white residue in Daniels’ room. Monroy then contacted NET43 officers for further assistance. The residue tested positive for methamphetamine. Monroy testified about the home visit during the hearing.

In cross-examination, Defense Attorney Austin Rovenstine asked Monroy why a warrant for Daniels’ arrest was not issued at that time. Monroy said it was due to Daniels’ declining health and that Daniels had been receiving in-home hospice care.

Daniels’ daughter also testified, informing the court that her father moved in with her after the home detention violation. She noted that no drugs are allowed in her home and that she controls who enters her residence.

Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed revoked Daniels’ bond and remanded him into custody at that time.

During sentencing, Rovenstine described Daniels’ health situation as an “unbeatable illness, one he inflicted on himself.” He said Daniels was given six months to live in January, and said he was not expected to live through his sentence.

“It’s not hyperbolic to say this is a case of tragedy,” said Rovenstine. “This is years of substance abuse which have contributed to his heart failing.”

Rovenstine requested Daniels be allowed to return to the Kosciusko County Community Corrections program to allow him to continue to be with his family.

“It’ll never happen again,” said Daniels.

“I don’t believe that,” said Judge Reed to Daniels. “Not with these blatant violations of every rule given to you. This sentence is for your criminal activity, not for being a bad guy.”

Daniels received a six-year sentence in the Indiana Department of Correction.