WARSAW — While calling it a manufactured offense Judge Michael Reed noted the actions of Matthew A. Lucas, 38, 2501 W. Side Drive, Warsaw, still could not be tolerated. Lucas was sentenced in Kosciusko Circuit Court Monday, April 25, on a charge of dealing in a narcotic drug, a lesser included charge that was a level 5 felony. The original charge was a level 4 felony.

Reed sentenced Lucas to three years at the Indiana Department of Corrections, giving him credit for time served and suspending the balance of the sentence. However, Lucas will be serving the remainder on probation. “I don’t want to see you back here again,” said Reed.

Lucas was arrested on a warrant in November 2015. Court documents state on July 2, 2015, arrangements were made to purchase six prescription Xanax pills from Lucas for $30. During the drug deal, Lucas wanted to search the buyer, but the buyer refused to be searched.

Police were given a cellophane wrapper containing five peach colored pills, instead of the six pills. The drug weighed over 1 gram.

He has been incarcerated in the county jail since his arrest.