Inmate Facing Possible Additional Drug ChargesAfter being sentenced in Kosciusko County Circuit Court Monday, a Kosciusko County Jail inmate is facing possible additional charges.
An initial additional charge of possession of methamphetamine is pending against Lucas Howland, 29, Elkhart, according to a news release from the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Office.
The release states that after Howland was remanded to incarceration, he was searched during the intake process. As Howland removed one of his socks, a small plastic bag fell to the floor. Howland then allegedly attempted to throw the bag in the trash. The booking officer ordered Howland to surrender the bag, which he did without further incident.
The white crystalline substance wrapped inside of the plastic was subsequently identified as methamphetamine.
Howland was not in custody at the time of his court hearing, the release states.
The investigation has been forwarded to the Kosciusko County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for consideration of formal criminal charges.
Monday, Howland was sentenced on a plea agreement for possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony; resisting law enforcement, a Class A misdemeanor; and false informing, A Class B misdemeanor.
For the possession of methamphetamine charge, Howland was remanded to the custody of the Kosciusko County sheriff and imprisoned in the Kosciusko County Jail. He was sentenced for a total of 2-1/2 years including 18 months for the possession charge and six months each for the resisting law enforcement and false informing. The sentences are to be served consecutively.
He received a total of 10 days credit for five days of jail time served and five days of good time credit, according to court documents.
The final year of the sentence is to be suspended pending Howland’s good behavior and he would be placed on probation during the term of imprisonment unless sooner discharged under the supervision of the probation officer.
Howland was also fined $100 for court costs and $200 for a drug interdiction fee.
