Warsaw Man Receives Nine-Year Local Sentence For Drug Possession
By Liz Adkins
InkFreeNews
Johnathan Jeremiah Ybarra
WARSAW — A Warsaw man will serve a nine-year sentence locally for two drug possession cases.
Johnathan Jeremiah Ybarra, 20, Warsaw, was charged with possession of a narcotic drug, a level 4 felony; and possession of cocaine, a level 5 felony. Four additional criminal charges were all dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
Ybarra was sentenced in Kosciusko Circuit Court on Monday, Dec. 16.
For narcotic drug possession, Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed sentenced Ybarra to six years at the Kosciusko County Jail, with three years executed and three years suspended on probation. He also received a three-year sentence at the Indiana Department of Correction for cocaine possession, with that sentence suspended on probation.
Both of Ybarra’s cases will be served back-to-back. He has 400 days of jail time credit, plus good time credit as calculated.
In total, Ybarra received a nine-year sentence, with three years executed and six years suspended on probation.
At sentencing, Prosecutor Brad Voelz said Ybarra involved other people with his addiction and requested he receive significant incarceration to make sure he was ready to begin a sober lifestyle.
Defense Attorney John Barrett said Ybarra was eligible for participation in Kosciusko County Community Corrections. He told the court he was hopeful for a local sentence through that acceptance, as well as Ybarra’s jail time credit.
Ybarra told Reed he struggled with addiction and that being incarcerated helped him reflect on his actions.
Voelz, Barrett, and Reed all encouraged Ybarra to apply for the Kosciusko County JCAP program. Reed said he would look at approving Ybarra for work release or community corrections if he graduated from JCAP.
“If you don’t change, you’re going to have a life ahead of you that sucks,” said Reed. “Let’s show everybody you’re serious.”
On Nov. 1, 2023, a Warsaw Police officer noticed a vehicle drive left of center on Buffalo Street and pulled the vehicle over. The driver was identified as Ybarra.
According to court documents, while searching the vehicle, officers found a metal container containing cocaine and drug paraphernalia.
On Nov. 14, 2023, a Pierceton Police officer noticed a vehicle with no visible registration. Ybarra was a passenger in the vehicle at the time. While approaching the vehicle, the officer saw Ybarra attempting to conceal a bag.
Upon searching the vehicle, law enforcement found 11.3 grams of fentanyl.
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