By SYDNEY KENT
A man from Bluffton received six years in prison in connection to an armed theft at the Shell gas station in Bluffton. He received a significant plea deal in the case.
Howard Michael Bryant, 35, was convicted of possession of methamphetamine, a Level 4 felony. Charges for dealing methamphetamine, a Level 2 felony, intimidation using a deadly weapon, a Level 5 felony, and theft, a Class A misdemeanor, were all dismissed.
According to a probable cause affidavit, an employee from the gas station reported that a theft suspect was fighting with another employee on Oct. 10. The manager later told police that the man had pulled out a knife during the incident.
Police located Bryant outside of a nearby business with a large knife in a sheath on his right side. Several knives, brass knuckles and a butterfly knife were removed from Bryant’s person.
Bryant also had a backpack. He asked if he could give the bag to his fiancé, Cassie Abercrombie.
A search of the backpack revealed 33.8 grams of methamphetamine in an orange pill bottle. Additionally, police found a digital pocket scale, a glass smoking pipe, drug paraphernalia and the stolen pop.
Bryant claimed that the drinks inside of his backpack were already there. The items, worth $17.43, were returned to the gas station.
During his transport to the jail, Bryant reportedly told police he should not be charged with intimidation because he was defending himself from the employees, who told him to return the items.
Bryant received 198 days of credit towards his sentence awaiting disposition in the case. In December, he requested to be released without bond. Bryant alleged he needed to continue working maintenance at the complex where he lived for his fiancé to avoid becoming homeless.
However, she was also arrested on dealing charges and appeared in court hours before the hearing. Abercrombie, 34, was charged with dealing methamphetamine and dealing in a narcotic drug, both Level 4 felonies. She has since pled guilty to the charges. She is scheduled for a sentencing hearing in the case at 9 a.m. on May 15 in the Wells Circuit Court.
As part of his sentence, Bryant was also recommended for evaluation for a clinically appropriate substance abuse treatment center. The completion of the program will not allow for him to serve less time.
sydney@news-banner.com
