Hazelton To Serve 17 1/2 Years In Prison For Dealing Fentanyl
By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews
Collin Scott Hazelton
WARSAW — A South Bend man will serve 17 1/2 years in prison after dealing over 50 grams of narcotics in an undercover drug deal.
Collin Scott Hazelton, 27, South Bend, was charged with dealing a narcotic drug, a level 2 felony; and possession of cocaine, a level 6 felony. Seven criminal charges were all dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
Hazelton was sentenced in Kosciusko Circuit Court on Monday, Aug. 14.
For dealing a narcotic drug, Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed sentenced Hazelton to 20 years at the Indiana Department of Correction, with 17 1/2 years executed and 2 1/2 years suspended on probation. He received time served for his criminal case involving cocaine possession.
Hazelton has 552 days, or about 1 1/2 years, of jail time credit, with good time credit as calculated. Reed also recommended Hazelton for Recovery While Incarcerated during his prison sentence.
At sentencing, Reed noted three letters of support submitted on Hazelton’s behalf.
Prosecutor Brad Voelz noted the significant danger dealing fentanyl poses to the community.
Defense Attorney Gregory Ridenour said Hazelton had accepted responsibility for his actions and was deeply remorseful. Several of Hazelton’s family members and friends also attended the sentencing. Ridenour said Hazelton was halfway toward receiving a college degree when his addiction interfered in that happening. Hazelton also currently serves as a trustee in the Kosciusko County Jail.
“My actions are why I am here today,” said Hazelton. “I want to change my life no matter the sentence I receive.”
Hazelton told Reed he was amenable to any type of rehabilitation or treatment.
“This was a significant crime that puts so many people at risk,” said Reed. “There needs to be serous consequences.”
Sometime in March 2022, the NET 43 Drug Task Force purchased 55 grams of fentanyl from Hazelton. According to court documents, two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal depending on a person’s body size, tolerance and past usage. The aggregate total amount of fentanyl dealt by Hazelton in the two transactions with NET 43 was in excess of 55 grams, or 55,000 milligrams.
On March 4, 2022, an Indiana State Police trooper pulled over a speeding vehicle driven by Hazelton. After a K9 unit alerted to drugs in the vehicle, officers found a container with cocaine residue on Hazelton’s person.
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