Man Receives Six-Year Sentence For Drug Possession
By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews
WARSAW — A South Bend man will serve six years in prison after a NET43 tip led police to the discovery of drug activity at an Oswego laundromat.
Jared Marc Borkholder, 36, South Bend, was charged with possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine – enhancing circumstances, a level 4 felony; resisting law enforcement, a class A misdemeanor; and being a convicted felon while in possession of a handgun, a level 5 felony. Four additional criminal charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
Borkholder was sentenced in Kosciusko Circuit Court on Monday, Jan. 24.
On Oct. 10, 2020, a Pierceton Police officer was contacted by a member of the NET43 Drug Task Force. NET43 provided information about Borkholder being at an Oswego laundromat, where it was rumored that Borkholder may be selling illegal drugs. Officers also confirmed that Borkholder had active felony warrants out of Allen County at the time.
According to court documents, an officer found Borkholder’s vehicle backed up to the laundromat and pulled his police vehicle in front of Borkholder’s.
Borkholder, who was in his vehicle at the time, attempted to drive away, but his vehicle’s engine died. Borkholder then attempted to flee the scene on foot but was apprehended.
A search of Borkholder’s person resulted in the discovery of two bags containing methamphetamine. Officers also found a 9 mm handgun and a black case containing 3.84 grams of amphetamine in Borkholder’s vehicle.
During court proceedings, Defense Attorney Gregory Ridenour listed several mitigators in Borkholder’s case. These included acceptance of responsibility, sincere remorse, and character improvement.
Ridenour and Borkholder both requested Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed allow Borkholder’s participation in Recovery While Incarcerated during his prison sentence. Borkholder also apologized to the court and community for his actions.
For possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine – enhancing circumstances, Judge Reed sentenced Borkholder to six years in the Indiana Department of Correction. Borkholder also received a three-year DOC sentence for being a convicted felon while in possession of a handgun.
For resisting law enforcement, Judge Reed gave Borkholder a one-year sentence in the Kosciusko County Jail. All three charges will be served concurrently, or at the same time. In total, Borkholder received a six-year DOC sentence. The case will be served consecutively to four additional criminal cases.
Judge Reed also recommended Borkholder for RWI during his prison sentence.