By Liz Adkins
InkFreeNews

Christopher Kesler Hodges

WARSAW — A Mentone man will serve over a year in prison on several charges.

Christopher Kesler Hodges, 25, 5935 W. Osprey Drive, Mentone, was charged with possession of methamphetamine and battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, both level 6 felonies; criminal mischief, a class B misdemeanor; and possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor. His probation was also revoked in two additional criminal cases.

Hodges was sentenced in Kosciusko Circuit Court on Monday, Sept. 16.

In total, for his newest charges, Hodges received a three-year sentence at the Indiana Department of Correction, with 1 1/2 years executed and 1 1/2 years suspended on probation.

At sentencing, several letters of support and certificates of completion for various programs were submitted as evidence for the court.

Defense Attorney Joseph Bauer said Hodges did not successfully complete drug court, as he continued being around “bad friends” when he was released from prison. He requested Hodges be reinstated on probation so he can hold himself accountable, noting that Hodges recently became a father.

“I didn’t think about the consequences and am placing myself at the mercy of the court,” said Hodges. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”

On Nov. 3, 2023, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a report of Hodges exerting unauthorized control over a vehicle. The deputy spoke with Hodges, who had meth and a smoking device inside the vehicle.

On June 4, a KCSO deputy responded to a report of Hodges going to a home and attempting to force his way in. During the incident, Hodges used a small, bat-like pipe to break a door’s window and hit a man inside the home.

After Hodges left the scene, the man saw a fresh slice in the driver’s side rear tire of his vehicle.