Scott Allen Baldwin

WARSAW — Scott Allen Baldwin, 34, 9893 E. King Arthur Trail, Cromwell, was sentenced in Kosciusko County Circuit Court in two causes involving dealing methamphetamine.

In cause F5-277, Baldwin was charged with dealing in methamphetamine, a level 5 felony; and possession of methamphetamine, possession two or more chemical reagents or precursors with intent to manufacture a controlled substance and possession of precursor by a methamphetamine offender, all level 6 felonies.

On March 26, 2016, after witnessing suspicious behavior, officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s and Syracuse Police Department initiated a traffic stop. Baldwin was the registered owner of the vehicle and a passenger at the time.

After a Kosciusko K-9 alerted to the vehicle, officers searched the vehicle and found a glass smoking device with a burnt leafy substance, plastic bottle, a gas can cap with a hose attached by black tape and a plastic tube. The gas can cap tested positive as being used as part of a HCL generator. Officers could also smell the chemical odor associated with the manufacturing of meth inside the vehicle. Police also recovered additional items thrown out of the vehicle. The items included a plastic funnel, plastic bottle with a gas can cap and hose. Officers determined the plastic bottle contained two or more reagents for a one pot meth lab. More can be read here.

Per the plea agreement, Baldwin was sentenced on count I dealing in methamphetamine, a level 5 felony, and count IV possession of a precursor, a level 6 felony. All other charges were dropped.

In cause F3-423, Baldwin was charged with a level 3 felony of dealing in methamphetamine enhancing circumstances; a level 5 felony possession of meth enhancing circumstances and a level 6 felony possession of two or more chemical reagents or precursors with intent to manufacture a controlled substance.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, on June 23, 2016 Baldwin sold 1.1 grams of meth to an unknown individual at the North Webster baseball park where children were playing a game.

After Baldwin sold the meth to the individual he was arrested. A Warsaw Police K-9 conducted a free open air search of Baldwin’s vehicle and was alerted to the presence of illegal drugs.

Baldwin admitted there was paraphernalia in the vehicle’s glove box. When officers searched the vehicle they located chemical reagents known to be used in the manufacturing of meth. Officers also found a handgun.

Per the plea agreement, Baldwin was sentenced on dealing in methamphetamine and the charge was lessened to a level 4 felony.

Baldwin’s attorney, Joseph Sobek, attempted to bring light to Baldwin’s case, mentioning all of Baldwin’s accomplishments made while, before and during incarceration. “There are positives in his record, not just negatives”

In the first cause, Judge Michael Reed sentenced Baldwin to 3 years at the Indiana Department of Corrections for count I, dealing in methamphetamine, and 1 year at the IDOC for count IV, possession of a precursor. This time is to be served concurrently but consecutive to the following cause. Baldwin is also required to pay upward of $1,300 to the Indiana State Police Department for environmental clean up.

For count I dealing in methamphetamine with a lesser charge of a level 4 felony, per the plea agreement, Baldwin was sentenced to 8 years at the IDOC and will forfeit his right to a firearm. The last 2 years of this sentence will be suspended and will be served on probation. Baldwin will receive 23 days jail time credit for time served.