WARSAW —  Tyce James Johnson, 19, 3437 W. Lincolnway, Columbia City, was sentenced today, Feb. 13, on charges stemming from an attempt to deal meth in October at a local gas station.

He was sentenced for an attempted drug deal that occurred in October of last year. According to the affidavit of probable cause, on Oct. 26, 2016, officers with the Warsaw Police Department received knowledge of a drug deal. They learned that Johnson was planning to sell 9 to 10 grams of methamphetamine, three eight balls, for $750. Officers obtained text messages and phone calls about the purchase.

Officers intervened and went to the Speedway Gas Station where the deal was planned. They observed Johnson waiting inside of a vehicle and arrested him for conspiring to commit a felony.

During the sentencing, Johnson’s lawyer Matthew Buehler stressed that this incident was Johnson’s first offense committed as an adult. Buehler stressed the conditions of the plea deal would help Johnson get the help he needs for his substance abuse issues.

Johnson was given a chance to speak during the sentencing and stated, “I’ve been struggling with addiction” for several years. He indicated that when this incident occurred, he had been struggling with substance abuse.

Judge Michael Reed indicated he hoped Johnson would get help with his substance abuse issues while on probation. Reed mentioned that while this was Johnson’s first adult offense, it was still significant. “I cannot overlook the fact you attempted to deal 9 to 10 grams.”

Per the plea deal, Johnson pleaded guilty to dealing methamphetamine, a level 5 felony.

Johnson was sentenced to two years at the Kosciusko County Jail. Those two years may be served on work release if he qualifies. After those two years, he will serve one year on probation. Johnson will pay a $100 fine and $200 drug interdiction fee. He received 110 days for time already served.