Alfred W. McDonald sat in the jury box and read a thick novel while awaiting his chance to plead guilty Thursday morning. McDonald, 46, was charged with dealing in methamphetamine less than 3 grams, a Class B felony, possession of methamphetamine, a Class D felony, and possession of two or more chemical reagents or precursors with intent to manufacture, a Class D felony. Shortly before the hearing, McDonald’s lawyer, Thomas Earhart, and Kosciusko County Chief Deputy Prosecutor R. Steven Hearn came to an agreement on a plea deal. A decision on the plea agreement will be made at 9:30 a.m. Feb 2 during a sentencing hearing. Kosciusko County Circuit Judge Rex Reed read the plea deal aloud to a mostly empty courtroom. “By an agreement between your attorney and the state of Indiana, you have agreed to pleading guilty on count one dealing in methamphetamine,” said Reed. “For his guilty plea the state of Indiana will dismiss count two possession of methamphetamine and further dismiss count three of possession of two or more chemical reagents or precursors with intent to manufacture.” Within the terms and conditions of the plea agreement, sentencing on count one dealing in methamphetamine cannot exceed eight years executed time. “If I accept this plea deal then I am bound to it and must sentence you according to the agreement,” said Reed. “I do not have to accept the deal, but if I do I am bound to it. By the terms of the agreement anytime over eight years executed will be on probation.” Reed informed McDonald that he is looking at anywhere from six to 20 years in prison, and that the advisory sentence is 10 years. In addition, Reed informed McDonald that there could be a fine issued in an amount not to exceed $10,000. When McDonald answered questions by Reed, he spoke in a low tone of voice and was very calm and collected in the court, except when he plead guilty. When Reed asked McDonald if he chose voluntarily to withdraw his previous plea of not guilty, he firmly said guilty. McDonald voluntarily admitted to manufacturing methamphetamine on Sept. 6. Reed issued a pre-sentence investigation report to be completed for McDonald prior to his Feb. 2 court date. Afterward, McDonald sat in the front row of the jury box reading his novel and waiting to go back to his cell.
