From Possibility Of Life To 5 Years
Bill Warren
Initially facing 457 years and 7 life sentences in prison, Bill Warren, 38, of North Manchester, was sentenced today to serve what will ultimately be less than 5 years behind bars.
Defense attorney Alan J. Zimmerman said, “We consider it a huge victory.”
Warren was found guilty last month following four days of testimony which stemmed from his female accuser saying Warren held her and her daughter hostage in the trunk of a car.
Warren was initially charged with 27 felony counts but was convicted on only six charges including one each of battery causing serious bodily injury, sexual battery, intimidation, obstruction of justice, theft and resisting law enforcement.
In the end, the jury did not find enough evidence to convict Warren on any of the charges that he criminally confined the woman or her young child.
Kosciusko County Superior Court I Judge Duane Huffer noted in this morning’s sentencing that while he believes Warren does have a big heart, he could find no mitigating circumstances that would assist Warren, but did find aggravating circumstances which included his criminal history and the fact that he violated his parole.
Warren himself addressed the court and several of is family members who attended today’s sentencing apologize to them and “the taxpayers for long, tedious trial.” Absent was an apology to the victim, but he did offer words to the woman’s young daughter saying he was sorry for scaring the then 3-year-old girl by yelling at her mother. “I also apologize for not being able to keep her safe and protect her.”
Lois Warren and Calvin Warren both spoke on behalf of their son and vowed to stand behind him.
Judge Huffer noted the class C felony crimes of battery causing serious bodily injury, sexual battery, intimidation, obstruction of justice and theft were committed as “an episode of criminal conduct” which ultimately lumps the charges together and bumps them to a class B felony. For those crimes, Warren received 10 years in prison.
On a separate charge of resisting law enforcement, Warren received 3 years imprisonment. With 661 days suspended and credit for time served, Warren’s 13 year sentence will actually see him released in less than 5 years.
Warren does plan an appeal, but since his family’s finances have been expended, the court assigned Jay Rigdon as Warren’s counsel for the appeal.
See related coverage:
Day 2: Child’s Testimony Heard In Trial
Victim Begins Testimony In Assault Trial
Jury Seated In Assault Trial
