By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — A Claypool man has received a more than six-year sentence for dealing methamphetamine.

Tyler Tanner Poyser, 24, 8140 S. Packerton Road, Claypool, was sentenced for dealing in methamphetamine, a Level 4 felony, and carrying a handgun without a license, a Class A misdemeanor, on Monday, Oct. 24, in Kosciusko Circuit Court. Three other charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Tyler Poyser

Kosciusko Circuit Judge Michael Reed sentenced Poyser to six years in the Indiana Department of Correction for dealing methamphetamine, with four years executed and two suspended on probation. For carrying a handgun without a license, he gave Poyser 180 days in the Kosciusko County Jail, all of which he suspended on probation.

On Oct. 29, 2021, NET43 received a tip regarding people using drugs in Warsaw. Later on Nov. 8, 2021, a Warsaw police officer saw a vehicle leave the address in question.

The vehicle had a license plate for another vehicle, and the officer pulled over the driver –  Poyser.

Poyser said he had a handgun and methamphetamine in the vehicle. The officer searched the vehicle and found a handgun; three bags containing 6.12 grams of methamphetamine; two digital scales; a syringe; a smoking device; Narcan; a canister with 15-25 caliber rounds; and $348.

An officer spoke with Poyser, who said he purchased an ounce of methamphetamine earlier in the week and had about 5 grams left.

Poyser said he traded methamphetamine for the gun and kept the gun for protection.

During the sentencing Monday, Deputy Prosecutor Brad Voelz noted the aggravating factors that Poyser was out on bond and on pretrial diversion when he was arrested for dealing methamphetamine.

Defense Attorney Travis Neff said that Poyser had “indicated a strong desire to change.”

“He’s owning responsibility for his actions,” said Neff, asking that Reed recommend that Poyser be allowed to participate in Recovery While Incarcerated while serving his sentence.

“I’m trying to be a better man,” said Poyser.

Reed agreed to allow Poyser to participate in RWI and said that he’d consider modifying his sentence after a time if Poyser had good behavior.

He also gave Poyser 208 days of jail time credit.