By SCOTT WEISSER
THE GOSHEN NEWS
GOSHEN —
A Goshen man pleaded guilty Thursday to charges stemming from a Nappanee shooting that left two men injured.
Bobby Ragsdale, 22, 20119 C.R. 19, pleaded guilty in Elkhart Circuit Court to three Class C felony counts of criminal recklessness. Prior to the plea deal, he’d also faced an attempted murder charge.
The shooting occurred Sept. 19, 2009, at North Manor Apartments. Stacy Wise, 38, Elkhart, was shot in the chest and Anthony Hirsch, 20, Goshen, was shot in the arm.
Judge Terry Shewmaker set Ragsdale’s sentencing for Sept. 30.
In other Circuit Court proceedings Thursday:
• Jovan Pringle, 23, Elkhart, was sentenced to 36 years in the Department of Corrections and nine years probation on two counts of armed robbery and one count of attempted armed robbery. He was given credit for time served.
• Shannon Hohenstein, 34, Rome City, was sentenced to two years probation on a Class D felony count of dealing methamphetamine. She was also ordered to complete 50 hours of community service.
Referencing the 145 days she’s already served, Shewmaker told Hohenstein that the hard part starts now.
“It’s pretty easy not to use meth when you’re locked up,” he said.
Defense attorney Jim Stevens said Hohenstein was headed down a path that — had she not stopped — would have eventually killed her.
“I believe that Shannon will come out of this a much better person, ready to deal with life on life’s terms,” Stevens said.
• Oscar Calderon, 20, Goshen, entered guilty pleas to two counts of delivery of cocaine and one count of possession of cocaine with intent to deliver. All three offenses, Class A felonies, occurred in June. Sentencing was scheduled for Sept. 30.
• Shane Blake, 32, 1847 Garden St. Lot 25, Elkhart, appeared for an initial hearing on a charge of attempted murder. Shewmaker entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
Police say Blake shot John Derry Jr. near 705 Marion St. in Elkhart last month. Blake, incarcerated on a $500,000 bond, said Thursday he plans to hire his own attorney.
Blake faces up to 50 years behind bars if convicted of the Class A felony.
