Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
A Warsaw man will serve six years in prison after being found guilty of using a sword to intimidate people at a local business.
During an Aug. 28 bench trial, Timothy Ray Ruggles, 52, of 517 E. Market St., Warsaw, was found guilty of intimidation with a deadly weapon, a level 5 felony; and possession of methamphetamine, a level 6 felony.
Ruggles was sentenced in Kosciusko Superior Court III on Tuesday.
For intimidation, Kosciusko Superior Court III Judge Chad Miner sentenced Ruggles to six years in the Indiana Department of Correction. He also received a 2-1/2-year DOC sentence for possessing meth, with both sentences to be served at the same time.
In total, Ruggles received a six-year DOC sentence. He has 95 days of jail time credit. Miner also recommended Ruggles for participation in Recovery While Incarcerated during his sentence.
Ruggles told the court he intends to seek an appeal.
At sentencing, Deputy Prosecutor Dan Hampton said the "dangerousness of the situation was initiated by the defendant." Both he and defense attorney Rama Sobhani also noted Ruggles' extensive criminal history.
Sobhani said Ruggles has had a lifelong addiction to drugs and has not been a violent person over the last 15 years. He noted Ruggles devoted himself to the Jewish faith, which keeps him "oriented and in the right direction."
"It's said that some people are beyond redemption," said Sobhani. "That's not Tim."
Ruggles also gave a statement in court, saying he was seeking to better himself and focused a lot on religion. He spent time taking virtual courses during his incarceration, receiving over 230 certifications.
With his charges, Ruggles said he took full responsibility for drug possession, but denied intimidating anyone with a sword. He told the court he carried the sword around on his back and never pulled it out or threatened anyone.
Miner noted Ruggles' substantial criminal history and prior probation violations as "significant aggravators" in the case.
"I certainly don't think you're beyond hope," said Miner. "I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities you'll have in DOC."
Affidavit of
Probable Cause
On June 21, Warsaw and Winona Lake Police officers responded to a report of a man wielding a sword in a Dollar General parking lot on Warren Street.
Officers spoke with a witness, who said Ruggles approached the business while holding a large sword in his hand. According to court documents, the witness said Ruggles walked around the parking lot with the sword, yelling at vehicles that entered the lot. At one point, Ruggles said, "Does my sword scare you?"
Law enforcement also found meth in Ruggles' backpack when he was taken into custody.
