John Walsh

KOSCIUSKO — A Cromwell man was sentenced today, Thursday, April 19, in Kosciusko Superior One Court after breaking into a residence and stealing a handgun.

John Michael Walsh, 9037 Dale Lane, Claypool, was charged with burglary, a level 4 felony.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on June 9, 2016, officers responded to a report of burglary at a residence. The male resident stated that someone had broken into his residence and stole $300 in cash. He also stated that a break-in occurred previously on May 30, 2016. In that occurrence, $100 and a Ruger LCP handgun were stolen.

The subject notified police several weeks later of an individual who had purchased his gun. That individual returned the gun to the subject and provided the name of an individual he received the gun from.

Fingerprints and palm prints discovered at the scene were connected to John Walsh. Walsh later admitted that he broke into the subject’s home and another individual climbed into the residence and stole the gun and money.

Defense attorney Dana Leon asked Judge David Cates to consider Walsh’s age before sentencing him.

“He has been cooperative through this whole matter, and he speaks with remorse,” Leon said.

Walsh spoke during the sentencing, stating that he was very apologetic.

“I know sorry isn’t enough, but I am very remorseful for my actions,” Walsh said. “I do want to fix this and better myself as a person.”

Cates sentenced Walsh to six years at the Indiana Department of Corrections. He was also asked to pay $622 in restitution to the male subject.