Deaton Receives 15 Years In Prison For Dealing Drugs
By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews
Dennis R. Deaton Jr.
WARSAW — A Warsaw man will serve 15 years in prison for two drug dealing cases.
Dennis R. Deaton Jr., 51, 317 W. Smith St., Warsaw, was charged with dealing methamphetamine, a level 2 felony; and possession of methamphetamine with enhancing circumstances, a level 5 felony. Seventeen additional criminal charges were all dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
Deaton was sentenced in Kosciusko Circuit Court on Friday, March 1.
For dealing meth, Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed sentenced Deaton to 22 years in the Indiana Department of Correction, with 15 years executed and seven years suspended on formal probation. He also received a three-year DOC sentence for possessing meth, with the entirety suspended on probation. Both of Deaton’s cases will be served back-to-back.
In total, Deaton received a 25-year DOC sentence, with 15 years executed and 10 years suspended on probation. He was also recommended for participation in Recovery While Incarcerated while in prison. He has 271 days of jail time credit, plus good time credit as calculated.
At sentencing, Prosecutor Brad Voelz said Deaton has previously served time in prison for burglary and manufacturing meth.
“He deserves every day of this lengthy sentence,” said Voelz.
Defense Attorney John Watkins said Deaton has a severe drug addiction and has taken responsibility for his actions.
On Jan. 8, 2022, a Warsaw Police officer noticed a vehicle with a false and fictitious plate, resulting in a traffic stop. The vehicle’s driver was identified as Deaton.
According to court documents, while searching the vehicle, the officer found a large bag containing about 0.38 pounds of methamphetamine. On Deaton’s person, officers found 11.8 grams of meth.
On May 25, 2023, a Warsaw Police officer noticed a vehicle driving left of center and pulled the vehicle over. The vehicle’s driver removed a plastic bag containing three grams of meth from her pants. She told the officer she obtained drugs from Deaton and was supposed to deliver them.
Upon searching Deaton’s home, officers found 26.2 grams of meth and a cellphone with open text messages related to the possession and dealing of illegal drugs. The text messages indicated Deaton was the individual communicating from the phone.
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