By Liz Adkins
InkFreeNews

WARSAW – Here is a recap of the Top Ten crime stories in Kosciusko County for 2025, in no particular order.

Warsaw Man Receives 35 Years In Prison For Burglarizing Residence, Shooting Person

Daniel Romero was sentenced to 35 years in prison after burglarizing a residence in Warsaw in December 2024 and shooting a person who was airlifted to a Fort Wayne hospital for their injuries. Romero took his case to trial in October 2025 and was found guilty of two felonies.

Mentone Man Receives Nine Years In Prison After Injuring Baby

Kaiden Meade was sentenced to nine years in prison after battering an infant in Mentone. The infant was airlifted to a Fort Wayne hospital for their injuries in February 2023. Meade took his case to trial in October 2025 and was found guilty of a Level 3 felony for domestic battery.

Claypool Man Receives 20 Years In Prison For Fatal Overdose Case

In September 2025, Shawn Hovenden was sentenced to 20 years in prison after dealing drugs to Ryan Kiesow in Warsaw in October 2023. Kiesow overdosed and passed away. At sentencing, Hovenden apologized to Kiesow’s family for his actions, saying he and Kiesow were friends.

Warsaw Man Receives 48 Years In Prison For Child Molesting

Earl Myers Jr. was sentenced to 48 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of molesting a child in Warsaw in July 2024. Myers took his case to trial in August 2025 and was found guilty of two felonies. At sentencing, Myers gave a statement in court, maintaining his innocence and describing the incident as a “set-up.”

Warsaw Teenager Receives 21-Year Sentence For Robbery Resulting In Paralysis Of Man

In July 2025, Jacob Elmore was sentenced to 18 years in prison and three years on probation after shooting a man in Warsaw in May 2024. The man is now paralyzed and will never walk again as a result of Elmore’s actions. At sentencing, Kosciusko Superior Court One Judge Karin McGrath said it was a “horrible, horrific decision … likely stemming from the really rough cards that Jacob was dealt.”

Warsaw Man Receives 14 Years In Prison For Fatal OWI Accident

In July 2025, Anish Daita was sentenced to 14 years in prison and six years suspended on probation for causing a fatal vehicle accident in June 2024 while driving under the influence. The accident resulted in the death of Joseph “Joey” Criswell, Milford, and serious injuries to multiple children in Criswell’s vehicle.

Warsaw Man Pleads Guilty To Attempted Murder

In April 2025, Izak Newton was sentenced to 20 years in prison and five years on probation for attempted murder following a February 2024 stabbing in Warsaw. Emergency medical services initially counted about 19 stab wounds on the victim, who was airlifted to a Fort Wayne hospital.

Owner Of Syracuse Bar Stabbed On Wedding Night, Assailant Charged

In January 2025, Allen Harper Jr. was charged with aggravated battery after he allegedly stabbed a man 11 times at Huntington Street Bar and Grill in Syracuse. Harper is currently taking his case to trial, with a three-day jury trial scheduled to occur in early February 2026.

Five From Elkhart Arrested For Allegedly Stealing Multiple Vehicles From Warsaw Business
Sixth Person Arrested In Warsaw Burglary Case

Six men from Elkhart were arrested in early 2025 after they stole multiple vehicles from Lake City Automotive/Lake City Honda in Warsaw. Officers investigated reports of a suspicious vehicle at the business and three side-by-side vehicles traveling west on US 30 without lights on. As the investigation progressed, all six men were arrested on burglary and theft charges.

Ellenberger Receives 12 Years In Prison For Crimes Against Children

In January 2025, David Ellenberger received a 16-year sentence, with 12 years executed and four years on probation, for crimes against children. In 2023, the Indiana State Police investigated a report of Ellenberger uploading 17 files containing apparent child pornography online. It was later discovered Ellenberger, who was previously convicted of child molesting, also sent images depicting child sexual abuse material to children.