A Syracuse man could spend up to 20 years in prison after a jury in Kosciusko Circuit Court Wednesday found him guilty of manufacturing methamphetamines.
David Jeremiah Gaff, 31, of 9565 E. Wawasee Lane, Syracuse, learned his fate shortly before noon Wednesday when the 12-person jury handed down its verdict. The offense is a Class B felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Gaff's sentencing will be March 19 at 1:15 p.m. in Kosciusko Circuit Court with Judge Rex Reed presiding.
Gaff was arrested Nov. 26, 2008, after police discovered a methamphetamine lab in a mobile home on Chickadee Drive, Cromwell.
A citizen reported the smell of ether coming from the residence and police found Gaff there with a working meth lab in a closet.
The prosecution sent several witnesses, including police officers, to the stand Tuesday to make its case against Gaff. Gaff's defense presented no witnesses in the trial, which lasted about a day and a half.
James Charters, who was arrested at the same time Gaff was and who already pleaded guilty in the incident, testified that Gaff purchased pseudophedrine at a drug store in Columbia City so the pair could make the meth. Charters said he already had all the other ingredients to make the drug, but Gaff mixed the ingredients and started making the methamphetamine while Charters was out of the residence talking to his landlord.
The jury deliberated for about an hour and a half before returning with the guilty verdict.
