Greensburg, IN — A Columbus woman was sentenced in Decatur Circuit Court Wednesday to a total of 40 years after pleading guilty to Dealing Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony) and Habitual Offender charges.
Jewel Johnson was sentenced by Judge Tim Day to 30 years in prison and 10 years probation.
The charges stemmed from Johnson’s arrest in Greensburg in June 2021. She pleaded guilty to the charges in February.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys entered a plea agreement that gave the judge sentencing discretion within guidelines. The agreement called for a 40-year sentence, and that Judge Day could sentence Johnson to prison, home detention, or probation.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Judge Day sentenced Johnson to 30 years behind bars and 10 years probation.
He also allowed Johnson to go through the Recovery While Incarcerated program so that she can address her substance abuse issues.
“Although I asked for 35 years to be in prison, I am satisfied with and grateful for the Court’s sentence here,” said Decatur County Prosecutor Nate Harter. “Ms. Johnson has been delivering poison into our community for years. Dealing is different from addiction. It involves a conscious choice to add to another person’s misery. That choice requires high moral condemnation and an appropriately lengthy sanction.”
Court records indicate Johnson has a history of misdemeanor and felony convictions, including a prior Dealing in Methamphetamine in Jackson County, as well as a history of probation violations. Investigators say she was on probation at the time of the incident.
Harter recognized Greensburg Police Detectives Mark Naylor, Mike Colson, Steve Barnes, and John Albert, as well as Officer Jacob Mays and K9 Kato for their work on the case.
“I have a great deal of sympathy for addicts who try to get their life turned around. That sympathy dissolves when a person crosses the threshold of dealing poison to others,” Harter said.
