By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

Justin Wayne Miller

WARSAW — An Etna Green man was recently arrested after allegedly possessing several firearms while disregarding court orders prohibiting him from doing so.

Justin Wayne Miller, 34, 9906 W. Welch Road, Etna Green, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon, a level 5 felony; and unlawful possession of a firearm by a domestic batterer and invasion of privacy, both class A misdemeanors.

On Feb. 12, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a no-contact order violation. A woman said a child took a picture of a handgun at Miller’s home.

Miller has a prior conviction for domestic battery in Kosciusko County in November 2021. Miller received a two-year sentence, which was suspended on probation. The court’s sentencing order mandated the no-contact order continue as a term of Miller’s probation. The order also prohibited Miller from possessing firearms.

According to court documents, also in that case, a domestic violence determination was entered against Miller. This determination stated Miller’s right to possess or own a firearm was forfeited for life.

On Feb. 16, KCSO deputies executed a search warrant at Miller’s home. During the search, deputies found a handgun hidden under a mattress. They also found different types of ammunition and magazines inside an unlocked gun safe.

Miller told the deputies he purchased the handgun for protection because of threats he received. He later admitted to also having additional firearms on his property. Deputies found a rifle and shotgun.

During the investigation, it was revealed Miller allegedly told the child who took a picture of the handgun to not tell anyone what he saw.

Miller was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail on Feb. 16.