By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

Johnny Gomez

WARSAW — A Warsaw man will serve one year in jail and 3 1/2 years on probation as the result of three criminal cases.

In two separate criminal matters, Johnny Gomez, 54, 3762 W. Old Road 30, Lot 618, Warsaw, was charged with operating a vehicle after being a habitual traffic offender, a level 6 felony. Gomez was also charged with operating a vehicle after being a habitual traffic offender and intimidation, both level 6 felonies, in a third case.

Gomez was sentenced in Kosciusko Superior Court 3 on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

On May 6, an Indiana State Trooper learned that Gomez had driven a family member to an appointment. The trooper knew Gomez was a habitual traffic violator and obtained video footage of Gomez operating a vehicle. At the time of the incident, Gomez was out on bond from Marshall County Superior Court 2 for driving while suspended with a prior conviction.

On May 8, a Warsaw Police officer noticed a vehicle being driven by Gomez through a business parking lot. The officer was aware that Gomez had a suspended license.

According to court documents, the officer saw Gomez take the vehicle onto a street, resulting in the officer pulling the vehicle over.

On Sept. 23, a Warsaw Police officer saw Gomez driving a vehicle and knew from prior interactions that Gomez was a habitual traffic violator. The officer then pulled Gomez’s vehicle over in a parking lot.

While the officer was dealing with Gomez, multiple people, later identified as Gomez’s family members, began congregating around the area. According to court documents, the family members were verbally abusive and disruptive to the process as Gomez was arrested. A second Warsaw Police officer arrived at the scene to assist. Gomez became verbally aggressive toward this second officer and told him to not mess with his family.

Gomez then told the officer that he would go to the officer’s house, which the officer understood to be a threat to him and his family. While being placed in a police vehicle, Gomez threatened to grab one of the officer’s firearms.

Court documents state Gomez has a history of issuing verbal threats to law enforcement officers during his interactions with them.

At the time of his arrest, Gomez was also out on bond from Kosciusko Superior Court 2 for resisting law enforcement.

“He understands that what he’s done is wrong,” said Defense Attorney Christopher Stidham, noting that Gomez is the primary caretaker for his family.

“I’m sorry for my actions,” said Gomez. “I made bad choices.”

Gomez was sentenced to one year in the Indiana Department of Corrections for the May 6 habitual traffic offender case and 1 1/2 years in DoC for the May 8 habitual traffic offender case.

In the September incident for operating as a habitual traffic offender and intimidation, Gomez was sentenced to two years in DoC on each criminal charge; both charges will be served concurrently.

All three cases will be served consecutively. One year of Gomez’s total sentence will be executed, with 3 1/2 years of Gomez’s sentence suspended on probation.