WARSAW — A Warsaw man was sentenced today, March 6, for molesting a minor and dealing drugs.

Ryan Tucker, 3950 N. 100E, Warsaw, was sentenced on charges of dealing cocaine, a level 4 felony; dealing a narcotic drug, a level 5 felony; and child molesting, a level 3 felony.

Tucker was sentenced to 10 years at the Indiana Department of Corrections to be followed by two years probation. He will receive credit for 171 days he has already served in jail.

During the sentencing, Tucker’s lawyer David Kolbe indicated several factors played a role in Tucker’s decisions last year. His lawyer noted that while he was 18 years of age when many of the incidents occured, his maturity level had been significantly lower than that. Kolbe mentioned that Tucker’s underlying issues with substance abuse also contributed to his poor choices.

Tucker stated he was sorry for his actions but that he was ready to make changes in his life. “I want to change…I want help, I need it.”

Judge Michael Reed noted that several individuals had written letters to him on behalf of Tucker. He shared his thoughts on Tucker’s behavior. “You’re 19 years old, look what you’ve done over the last year.” He stated conducting the sentencing was not an easy task but that he hoped Tucker’s behavior could be corrected, “I hope what you said today is true, only time will tell.”

Judge Reed mentioned he would consider modifying Tucker’s sentence after he completes the purposeful incarceration program and is deemed to have good conduct while serving time while he is in the program.

Tucker was sentenced on charges stemming from a drug bust that occurred last March and from having intercourse with a 13-year-old girl.

According to court documents, Tucker was arrested in May 2016 when a minor told a school staff member she had sexual intercourse with Tucker.

The mother told police her daughter told her the incident occurred during the morning of Feb. 21, 2016. Tucker came to the residence and her daughter let him in her bedroom window where the sexual intercourse took place.

The victim also told a caseworker with Child Protective Services, that while they were never involved in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship, she would communicate with Tucker on social media. She confirmed they had sex one time. She added Tucker knew her age.

Tucker, while speaking to police on an unrelated incident, stated a female was trying to say he raped her. He admitted he did not rape her but knew she was underage.