Initially planning to fight multiple felony charges including aggravated battery, forgery and theft, in October, Garrett Joe Swanson reconsidered his options and accepted plea agreements in lieu of jury trials. (See related)

Swanson, 30, of Warsaw, appeared before Kosciusko Superior Court I Judge Duane Huffer this morning to be sentenced for the Class B felony charge of aggravated battery. That charge stemmed from a May 18, 2012, bar fight at Rex’s Rendezvous in Warsaw that severely injured a fellow bar patron.

According to Warsaw Police and prosecutor’s reports, Swanson struck then 28-year-old Nicholas Phillips in the head with his fist resulting in serious head and facial injuries. Swanson then fled the bar when police arrived. Because of his mixed martial arts background, Hampton filed the higher felony charge of aggravated battery against Swanson.

Swanson was also sentenced for unrelated crimes relating to his former employment at The Auto Park in Warsaw. According to those charges, Swanson forged his name on six refund and/or referral checks, each totaling from $100 to $1,500, that were owed to customers of the dealership. He is accused of then cashing the checks. (See related)

That case led to the filing of six felonies including three charges of forgery, each a Class C felony; and three charges of theft, each a Class D felony.

Kosciusko County Prosecutor Dan Hampton told the court Swanson had said he accepted responsibility for his actions and, because victim Phillips was present in the courtroom, his pleas should be accepted.

Swanson chose not to make a statement but, referring to a conversation held with Hampton and defense attorney J. Brad Voelz earlier in the judge’s chambers, Judge Huffer addressed Swanson saying, “You did make changes in your life and you are bars don’t mix. That’s not the place for you.”

Swanson was sentenced to a reduced charge of Class D felony criminal recklessness from the original B felony aggravated battery.

In the case involving forgery and theft from The Auto Park, Swanson’s original six felonies were reduced to one D felony count of theft.

Judge Huffer sentenced Swanson to 1 year in the Indiana Department of Corrections on each charge, but suspended the sentences, ordering Swanson to be placed on home detention for a period of 6 months and probation to follow for 6 months. He will also be required to pay administrative fees for the court programs and was ordered to consume no alcohol or visit any bar or tavern.

Restitution was already made to The Auto Park and is being handled “civilly” between Swanson and Phillips, said Judge Huffer.

In Indiana, Class B felonies carry sentences of up to 20 years imprisonment; Class C felonies, 8 years; and Class D felonies, 3 years.