Paul Kocielko, age 39, formerly of Elkhart, was clearly displeased at the 50-year maximum sentence he received today in Elkhart Superior Court 3. Kocielko had been convicted at jury trial on January 7, 2010, of two (2) counts of Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, and of being an Habitual Offender, when prosecutors proved he had fondled and performed sodomy upon a 14 year-old child after providing her with alcohol at a local hotel in August of 2007.
A press release posted earlier today indicated that Melvin Hines had been formally charged with two counts of Dealing in Cocaine in Excess of 30 Grams, both Class A Felonies. This should have read, “Dealing in Cocaine in Excess of 3 Grams.”
On Wednesday, January 27, 2010, officers of the Elkhart County I.C.E. Unit developed information indicating that a major marijuana distribution center was operating at 59811 CR 7, Elkhart. This residence is located directly across CR 7 from the maintenance entrance to the Elkhart County Corrections Complex.
Curtis T. Hill, Jr. will file to seek re-election as Prosecuting Attorney for the 34th Judicial Circuit, Elkhart County, State of Indiana.
A jury convicted Paul Kocielko, 39, of Elkhart, on Thursday, January 7, 2010, in the Elkhart Superior Court No. 3, of two (2) counts of Sexual Misconduct, as well as finding him to be a Habitual Offender. The crimes occurred on August 8, 2007, when Kocielko assaulted a 14-year-old child.
A jury convicted Samuel L. Lewis, 1219 East Hively Avenue, Elkhart, of five (5) counts of Dealing Cocaine on December 9, 2009. After jury selection on Monday, December 7, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Don Pitzer presented testimony evidence from officers assigned to the Elkhart County Interdiction and Covert Enforcement (ICE) Unit. The facts proved that 42 year-old Lewis had delivered cocaine on four (4) separate occasions from January to May of 2008. Each delivery took place in the general vicinity of his residence on East Hively. On three of the occasions, a half-ounce of cocaine was sold for $400. Ultimately, sufficient information about Lewis was obtained and a search warrant was issued for his home on May 15, 2008.
On Wednesday evening, December 9, 2009, after three hours of deliberation, an Elkhart County jury found Elkhart resident Michael Gregory, 44, guilty of six (6) counts of Child Molesting. Gregory admitted in court that he was a Habitual Criminal Offender, having previously been convicted of Armed Robbery, Possession of Cocaine and Theft.
A jury convicted Michael A. Clay, 20, of Robbery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, A Class A Felony, Tuesday in the Elkhart Circuit Court. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney David Francisco presented evidence that Clay participated in a strong-arm robbery of James Davis.
Dr. Amir Sanjari, 51, of Elkhart, was found guilty on November 9, 2009, of two counts of Non-Support of a Dependent Child, Class C Felonies, after a jury trial in Elkhart Superior Court 6. Dr. Sanjari is a dual citizen of Iran and the United Kingdom, who is trained as a nuclear physicist.
On November 9, 2009, David D. Hauk, 46, of Goshen, was sentenced to ten (10) years in prison as a result of his tenth (10th) drunk driving conviction.
An Elkhart Superior Court 3 jury took less than fifteen (15) minutes on Tuesday, November 3, 2009, to return a verdict of guilty convicting Rafael Dejesus, 45, Goshen, of three (3) Counts of Dealing in Cocaine, all Class A Felonies.
The Elkhart County I.C.E. unit, assisted by officers of the Indiana State Police and the Goshen Police Department, served a search warrant at 238 Pottawatomi Dr., Elkhart, Indiana. The raid took place at approximately 8:00 p.m. on November 5, 2009. This raid was part of a larger, ongoing investigation into the importation of high-quality methamphetamine into Elkhart County.
Farm east of Bristol raided by Elkhart County I.C.E. unit and Sheriff and Goshen PD Emergency Response Teams
Alleged Mid Level Cocaine Dealer arrested
Ligonier man arrested by I.C.E. unit
I.C.E. Unit seizes 10 pounds of marijuana at 2924 Benham Ave., Elkhart
Elkhart City Police Officers serve search warrant in County on CR 6
Elkhart County I.C.E., Indiana State Police ERT and Nappanee City Police serve search warrant on suspected meth lab
Two persons arrested for allegedly dealing meth in Nappanee
Elkhart County I.C.E. and ISP officers make arrest
