By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

Justin Riley West

WARSAW — A Pierceton man will serve four years in prison after threatening a county judge.

Justin Riley West, 32, 680 N. 850W Lot 92, Pierceton, was charged with intimidation, a level 5 felony; battery against a public safety official, a level 6 felony; and a habitual offender enhancement. A criminal mischief charge was dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

West was sentenced in Kosciusko Superior Court One by Special Judge Dean Colvin Thursday, March 16.

For intimidation, West was sentenced to four years at the Indiana Department of Correction, with two years executed and two years suspended on probation. He also received two-year DOC sentences for battery against a public safety official and the habitual offender enhancement. The intimidation and battery charges will be served concurrently, or at the same time; the habitual offender enhancement will be served consecutively.

In total, West received a six-year sentence, with four years executed and two years suspended on probation.

On Jan. 14, 2021, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office sergeant responded to a disturbance in Kosciusko Superior Court 3. Video footage showed West losing control of his temper in the courtroom, physically overturning a table, and running toward Judge Chad Miner’s bench.

According to court documents, West raised his upper body onto the bench and threw computer equipment at Miner, hitting him with the equipment.

West became angry when he realized he was not going to be released from custody. He also referred to Miner as a derogatory name and threatened to harm Miner’s family.

West has at least 10 felony convictions between 2009 and January 2021.