Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
A man will serve a 2-1/2-year sentence locally after sexually assaulting a person.
Nathaniel Lawrence Devault, 23, Fortville, was charged with sexual battery, a level 6 felony. A rape charge was dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
Devault was sentenced in Kosciusko Superior Court I on Thursday, April 9.
Kosciusko Superior Court I Judge Karin McGrath sentenced Devault to 2-1/2 years in the Kosciusko County Jail, with one year executed and 1-1/2 years suspended on probation.
A no-contact order between Devault and the victim remains in effect. Devault must also register as a sex offender.
In this case, Devault has 183 days of jail time credit.
At sentencing, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Sobek said the probation department’s recommendation for Devault’s sentence was appropriate, given Devault’s history and the nature of the offense.
Defense attorney Cory Spreen said several letters from family members and friends were submitted on Devault’s behalf. He asked the court to consider a two-year sentence for Devault.
“It may be human nature to downplay our mistakes, but that doesn’t go well in a court of law,” said McGrath. “You don’t have the right to touch anyone who doesn’t want to be touched, whether it’s violent or sexual in nature.”
Affidavit Of Probable Cause
On Oct. 8, 2025, a Warsaw Police officer responded to an incident involving sexual assault. A person said Devault came to their home and asked if he could take a nap prior to leaving for work.
According to court documents, the person said they fell asleep and that Devault sexually assaulted them while they were sleeping.
