By Liz Adkins
InkFreeNews

Gregory Wayne Watkins Jr.

WARSAW — A North Manchester man will serve a four-year sentence locally after he battered a woman in Warsaw.

Gregory Wayne Watkins Jr., 38, 407 N. Market St. Apartment B., North Manchester, was charged with domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury and domestic battery committed in the presence of a child, both level 6 felonies. Two additional criminal charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Watkins was sentenced in Kosciusko Superior Court One on Thursday, July 25.

For domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, Kosciusko Superior Court One Judge Karin McGrath sentenced Watkins to two years in the Kosciusko County Jail, with 1 1/2 years executed and one-half year suspended on probation. Watkins also received a two-year KCJ sentence for domestic battery committed in the presence of a child. The entirety of that sentence was suspended on probation. Both of Watkins’ charges will be served back-to-back.

In total, Watkins received a four-year sentence, with 1 1/2 years executed and 2 1/2 years suspended on probation.

As part of the sentencing order, Watkins must comply with any restrictions in Child in Need of Services cases he’s involved in. A no-contact order with the victim remains in effect. Watkins has 228 days of jail time credit.

At sentencing, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Sobek said there were a lot of moving parts to Watkins’ case. He said the two children who witnessed the battery are currently in a relative’s care.

“I hope he finally learns he needs to stop harming people,” said Sobek.

Watkins apologized to the court for his actions and said he’s a good person when he’s sober.

“On paper, I look like a monster, but that’s not the case,” said Watkins. “When you’re up for weeks on end on drugs, you don’t know what you’re doing.”

Sobek noted Watkins had drastically improved physically and mentally since his first court appearance. McGrath encouraged Watkins to participate in local recovery programs upon his release.

On Sept. 4, 2023, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a domestic incident in Warsaw. A woman said Watkins battered her in the presence of two children.

According to court documents, the woman said she had a verbal argument with Watkins, which turned physical when Watkins punched the left side of her face two times. Watkins attempted a third punch, but one of the children grabbed Watkins’ arm to stop him. Watkins then punched the child in the nose.

The deputy noticed injuries to the woman and child.