By Elizabeth Hershberger
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — An Elkhart man will potentially serve 20 years in the Indiana Department of Corrections for dealing methamphetamine in Kosciusko County.

Anthony Lee Washington, 56,181 N. Elkhart Ave., No. 412, Elkhart, will spend 20 years in the Indiana Department of Corrections, with five years suspended to probation pending Washington’s good behavior.

Anthony Lee Washington

In accordance with a plea agreement, at the Kosciusko Circuit Court Monday, June 19, Washington pled guilty to two counts of dealing meth, a level 2 felony, and received a term of 25 years for each count, which will each run concurrently. The final five years of Washington’s sentence will be suspended to probation pending his good behavior while incarcerated. Washington was represented by attorney Scott Reust.

Washington will receive 85 days of jail credit as time served. The remaining counts in the case, consisting of four counts of possession of meth, were dismissed as part of Washington’s plea agreement.

Judge Matthew Buehler recommended Washington be referred to the Recovery While Incarcerated Program and complete a substance abuse treatment program.

Washington must pay a fine of $100 and a $200 drug interdiction fee as well as a $200 public defender fee. He has been ordered by the court to pay restitution to NET 43 in the amount of $400.

During his probation, Washington will be subject to random drug testing.

The Case

Sometime in February, the NET 43 Drug Task Force made two controlled purchases of meth from Washington. According to court documents, undercover officers purchased a total of 29 grams of meth from him.

Washington had previous convictions for dealing meth in Kosciusko County and possession of meth in Allen County.