Detroit resident Marcus Harris was sentenced Thursday to six years incarceration and three years of probation for dealing cocaine. The sentencing took place during combined Elkhart County Circuit and Superior Court sessions before Circuit Judge Terry Shewmaker.
Harris, 22, had a prior conviction of possession of marijuana in Elkhart, and that was considered an aggravating factor in the decision. Along with jail and probation time, Harris was fined $7,000 as well as a $200 drug and addiction fee and was ordered to complete addiction therapy while incarcerated.
He had already served 150 days during legal proceedings, which was counted as time served toward his sentence.
In other matters, six plea bargains were accepted throughout the hearings:
Superior court
Bertin Rivera, 36, 1029 Center St., Elkhart, entered a guilty plea to a class C felony charge of child molesting. The charge stems from an April incident with an individual under the age of 14. During the Thursday hearing, Rivera also admitted to being an illegal immigrant.
He faces a maximum sentence of eight years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, as well as possible deportation.
Bobby Hamilton, 30, 615 Pringle Drive, Goshen, entered a plea of guilty to manufacturing methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a family housing complex, a class A felony. Hamilton faces a maximum sentence of 35 years in prison.
Rio Harper, 48, 429 Sherman St., Elkhart, entered a guilty plea to a class B felony charge of dealing cocaine.
All three will be sentenced Nov. 19.
Circuit court
Horacio Lopez, 32, 877 E U.S. 6, lot 82, Ligonier, entered a plea of guilty to a class A felony charge of dealing cocaine. During the hearing, Lopez admitted to being an illegal immigrant. That, along with a prior felony DUI conviction in 1995, were considered aggravating factors in the upcoming sentence. He faces up to 35 years incarceration. Sentencing for Lopez will take place Nov. 12.
Steven Sells, 36, 1511 Brooks Drive, B-4, Nappanee, entered a guilty plea to a class B felony charge of manufacturing methamphetamine. A prior felony conviction in 1992 was considered an aggravating factor in the upcoming judgment.
According to his plea agreement, Sells would serve 10 years in prison with an additional six years of probation. He would also undergo mental health counseling for depression and bipolar disorder, and attend drug counseling. Sentencing for Sells was set for Nov. 19.
Khristopher Henry, 23, 4387 W. M-80, Kincheloe, Mich., entered a guilty plea to a class B felony charge of armed robbery. He faces up to six years in prison, which would be served concurrently from time he is serving on a different charge in Wayne County, Mich. Sentencing for Henry was set on Nov. 19.
