Eric McFarland

WARSAW — A man convicted of multiple drug charges received a 25-year sentence in Kosciusko County Circuit Court Tuesday, Sept. 24.

The sentence was the result of a plea agreement involving charges in four separate cases.

Per the plea agreement, Eric Scott McFarland, 38, with an address on file of 41 EMS W16 Lane, North Webster, pleaded guilty to dealing in a narcotic drug, a level 4 felony; dealing in methamphetamine (attempt), a level 3 felony; possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, a level 4 felony; and dealing in methamphetamine, a level 3 felony. 

In May 2018, McFarland was found to be in possession of heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana and a handgun. At that time, McFarland was on probation after being convicted of dealing heroin.

In June 2018, McFarland was arrested for attempting to deal methamphetamine after receiving a package addressed to Bruce Banner of Hulk Industry. This was discovered after law enforcement officers became aware that a package containing drugs was to be delivered to a Silver Lake residence by UPS.

In May 2019, as a result of numerous drug complaints, Kosciusko County’s unified narcotics unit, NET 43, initiated a covert criminal investigation at a residence in Milford. After a lengthy operation, consisting of surveillance and undercover components, a search warrant was obtained for the residence. Kosciusko County SWAT executed a search warrant. Two children and two adults were located inside of the home, with McFarland being one of the adults.

McFarland’s attorney, Anthony Garza, told Judge Michael Reed that McFarland has a long history of substance abuse and requested that Reed fashion a sentence that would allow McFarland to get the help he needs.

McFarland told Reed he would like to start in some type of substance abuse program as soon as possible.

“The JCAP ladies are interested in bringing me into their program,” McFarland said.

“You’ve tied the court’s hands,” Reed responded. “I gave you a chance in 2017, got you into Community Corrections.”

Reed pointed out that the crimes McFarland was being sentenced for Tuesday were all committed after 2017.

“I hear what you say, but I see what you do,” Reed said. “Your actions speak so much louder than your words.”

Reed sentenced McFarland to a total of 25 years at the Indiana Department of Corrections. McFarland was sentenced to four years for dealing in a narcotic drug; five years for possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon; nine years for dealing in methamphetamine (attempt); and seven years for dealing in methamphetamine, a level 3 felony. All sentences were ordered to be served consecutively.

Reed recommended that McFarland participate in Recovery While Incarcerated and said he would consider a sentence modification in the future if McFarland is successful in the program.

McFarland was given a combined total of 415 days of jail time credit in the four cases. He was ordered to pay court costs and fines as well as $500 in restitution to the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, other charges were dismissed. McFarland was also ordered to complete the period of probation he previously violated, following his release from IDOC.

“I want you to seek help,” Reed said. “I want you to change. It’s never too late.”