WARSAW — Judge David Cates sentenced a Warsaw man in Superior I Court Dec. 15 after he admitted involvement in an Etna Green mini mart burglary.

Daricus Da-Jon Leigh Phillips, 20, Warsaw, was sentenced on count I burglary, a level 5 felony. The charge stems from a May 26 burglary of an Etna Green mini mart. Phillips pled guilty on Oct. 13.

According to 1st Sgt. Chad Hill, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Deputies were initially advised of the burglary during the early morning hours of May 26. Surveillance footage recorded from inside the business depicted a subject that appeared to be Phillips. Phillips’ girlfriend had previously worked at the mini mart and her vehicle was also identified on the surveillance cameras located outside the establishment by employees.

During the course of the investigation, sheriff’s detectives were able to ascertain the location of Phillips. Officers were able to establish probable cause and subsequently obtain a search warrant for Phillips’ residence on May 27.

Once inside, officers located the alleged pry-bar used to gain entry into business, along with two bags of raw marijuana and an envelope containing what was believed to be cash stolen from the mini mart. Undercover officers took Phillips into custody, later that same day, as he returned home and transported him to the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department.

Phillips later confessed to detectives of his involvement in the incident.

Phillips’ attorney Scott Lennox asked the court to keep an “open mind,” insisting that Phillips had merely made a few bad decisions.

Judge Cates accepted Phillips’ plea agreement. Cates acknowledged Lennox’s statement but advised that Indiana Risk Assessment put Phillips at a high risk to reoffend. He added, “I do give you [Phillips] credit for taking responsibility for your actions.”

Phillips was sentenced to five years at the Indiana Department of Corrections with two years suspended and to be served on probation. Judge Cates is allowing Phillips to serve the sentence on work release if he qualifies.

Further, Phillips was sentenced to a substance abuse evaluation at the Bowen Center and ordered to repay $300 for court appointed counsel and all probation fees.

Phillips is still awaiting sentencing for a November home invasion. More information on that case here.