CASSOPOLIS — A Vandalia man who violated terms of a delayed sentencing agreement was sentenced to prison Friday in Cass County Circuit Court. 

Wagers

Thomas Allen Wagers, 57, of Vandalia, was sentenced to 23 months to five years in prison with credit for 210 days served for third offense drunk driving. He had pleaded guilty to felony third offense drunk driving in July, 2023 under a delayed sentencing agreement that would have reduced the charge to second offense drunk driving which is a misdemeanor.

      The third offense drunk driving incident occurred Dec. 22, 2017 in Vandalia.

      Wagers violated the delayed sentencing agreement by absconding from the Twin County Probation Program after three days. Cass County Circuit Court Judge Mark Herman noted that Wagers was arrested again, on Aug. 11, 2024 for possession of methamphetamine.

      “You said you changed your ways after you absconded in 2023, but a year later you were still doing meth, smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol,” Judge Herman said.

      The judge pointed out that Wagers is sober and off drugs now primarily because he’s been in jail for over 200 days.

      Wagers also pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine from the 2024 incident as a habitual offender and was sentenced to 365 days in jail with credit for 209 days served. He must pay $2,048 in fines and costs.

      The meth incident occurred Aug. 11, 2024 in Vandalia. He was arrested after police saw him fail to stop at an intersection in Penn Township. The car had no license plate and a search of the car uncovered meth, marijuana and alcohol.

      Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz told Wagers that he had “made a mess of your life.” “You need to find a way to address your criminal behavior.”

      Defense attorney Greg Feldman said he told Wagers to take advantage of his time incarcerated so he can work his way back into the community.

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