DECATUR COUNTY, IN — A Greensburg man was sentenced Tuesday in Decatur Circuit Court to eight years in prison on a Level 4 Felony count of Dealing in Methamphetamine, with a sentence enhancement after admitting he is a Habitual Offender under Indiana law.
Decatur County Prosecutor Nate Harter said the plea agreement called for James D. Imel (pictured) to receive two years in prison from Judge Tim Day for the Dealing in Meth charge and an additional six years for being a habitual offender.
Harter said the eight-year sentence would be reduced to six years after good time credit.
In addition, both the prosecution and defense agreed that Imel’s Decatur County sentence will run consecutively with any penalty he receives in a pending felony case against him in Rush County.
Judge Day accepted the plea deal.
The charges stem from a traffic stop in Greensburg in which Imel was pulled over for speeding and other violations.
Authorities say after receiving Imel’s consent, a search of his vehicle turned up methamphetamine and a large amount of Marijuana.
Imel reportedly admitted he was dealing meth to make ends meet and to feed his own habit of methamphetamine use.
Harter expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the case.
“Mr. Imel was extremely cooperative with law enforcement and took responsibility for his actions. This was to his benefit, but ultimately there is still a cost to be paid,” Harter said.
Imel was convicted in 2010 of Reckless Homicide after a jury heard murder charges against him in connection with the death of his father.
He was sentenced to eight years in prison but served four years after receiving good time credit.
Court documents indicate Imel’s other two convictions were for Possession of Methamphetamine – one in Decatur County and one in Rush County.
Harter recognized Greensburg Police officers Casey Jones, Chris Bridges, and Matt Terkhorn for their assistance with the preparation of the case.
