By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — A Leesburg man received a three-year sentence for dealing fentanyl in Kosciusko County.

Nolan Kyle Melchi, 45, 63 EMS T16 Lane, Leesburg, was given a three-year Indiana Department of Correction sentence in Kosciusko Circuit Court on Monday morning, July 28, for the Level 5 felony.

Nolan Kyle Melchi

A second charge, possession of a narcotic drug, a Level 6 felony, was dropped due to a plea deal.

Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Matthew Buehler is allowing Melchi to serve the first year of his sentence through either Kosciusko County or Allen County Community Corrections. If his behavior is sufficient, Melchi may serve the last two years on probation.

Defense Attorney Austin Rovenstine gave Buehler documents from classes Melchi has taken to improve himself.

He also argued that Melchi having a more serious sentence would be hard on Melchi’s children.

“There are few things more important to Nolan than his two children,” said Rovenstine.

He noted Melchi’s father has been taking care of the kids, but won’t be able to any longer.

“The children’s mother is incarcerated,” added Rovenstine.

Deputy Prosecutor Christanne Hampton said she believes Melchi has changed.

“I hope that Mr. Melchi is not the same person (as before),” she said, adding it was “rare” that she was “moved to sympathy” in such a case.

For his part, Melchi told Buehler he was “extremely sorry for (his) actions.”

Buehler said it was “unusual” to have both the defense attorney and prosecutor agree on a case.

“The court simply can’t overlook the (past) indiscretion,” he added.

Regarding Melchi’s sentence, Buehler added he would be open to work release for him as well.

Melchi has one day of jail credit.

“I’ve heard that there are a lot of people depending on you,” said Buehler to Melchi. “Don’t let them down.”

Affidavit of Probable Cause

Melchi’s charges stem from him dealing 0.4 grams of fentanyl to an undercover officer with the NET 43 Drug Task Force in August 2023 while he was on probation in another case.

Melchi previously was charged with assisting a criminal, false informing and auto theft.