Adrian Crabb

WARSAW — “Work release is not an option. He knows he will get sentenced and be incarcerated for a while. In an odd way, he is looking forward to it,” said John Barrett, attorney for Adrian Crabb, 20, 155 EMS B43 Lane, Leesburg. Crabb was sentenced to three years at the Indiana Department of Corrections followed by two years of probation.

He is also facing possible jail time in a separate case, in which his sentence will run consecutive.

Crabb was charged on Jan. 24, with robbery, a level 5 felony, and theft, a level 6 felony, after he and two others attacked an individual in Syracuse. Charges against the other two persons, Tyler Rex, 19, 702 E. Nokomis Drive, Syracuse, and Tyler Reith, 21, 612 Briar Ridge Circle, Warsaw, were dismissed.

During Crabb’s sentencing on Thursday, June 13, in Kosciusko Superior Court 1, both the prosecution and defense made note of Crabb’s extensive juvenile and adult criminal record.

Brad Voeltz, deputy prosecuting attorney, stated for a couple of months, Crabb was out of control before he put his nose to the grindstone. Voeltz referenced the three co-defendants in the case and how Crabb exonerated the other two persons. “They had no prior knowledge, all on him. We appreciate he stated the truth and provided justice for the two co-defendants.”

Barrett agreed with the prosecution noting his client could have pointed the finger at the other’s but “he didn’t do that. He told the truth.” Barrett noted Crabb was very truthful, which is rare even for adults. Barrett noted incarceration would be beneficial where he could receive counseling and treatment, and learn some skills “if the court accepts the plea. Adrian will be rejoining us at some point and he will still be a young man. He can turn this thing around and live life the right way. That is my hope and his as well.”

Crabb, in addressing the court, stated “I want to make sure I go to a place where I can better myself. That’s the bottom line.”

Judge David Cates noted appreciation in Crabb taking the credit and responsibility for his actions. “You have a significant criminal history. You tell me you want to better yourself. It’s up to you. I hope you do better yourself.”

Based on the plea agreement, the charge of theft was dismissed.

Crabb, Rex and Reith were all arrested by Syracuse Police shortly after authorities were notified by the victim of being attached and robbed of a wallet, iPhone 6 along with $496 on a pre-paid debit card.

According to the probable cause the victim stated he was walking when he noticed three males walking behind him, close enough he could hear their conversation. While he was walking one of the persons took his backpack without his permission, when he attempted to regain control of the backpack that person forcibly put him on the ground. He told police the other two acted as “lookouts.”

Milford Police located two of the suspects, who were positively identified as the two “lookouts.” Rex identified the third person, and after the victim was shown a photo of Crabb, he identified him as the one who forcibly took his personal items.

Crabb was on a pre-trial diversion agreement on charges of auto theft and theft, both level 6 felonies, at the time he committed the robbery and theft. That agreement, signed Dec. 27, 2018, in effect for 18 months included a stipulation that Crabb would not be charged with a violation of any criminal law, crime, infraction or ordinance violation. According to court officials, this diversion will be reviewed at the end of the 18 months, at which time the state will reinstate prosecution of the charges.