A Linton man, arrested in late January for allegedly trying to destroy evidence and struggling with an officer when he was taken into custody on drug charges, appeared in court last week, changed his plea to guilty and was sentenced.

Erik Keith Tosti, 43 at the time of his arrest on Wednesday, January 27, from Linton, was on probation as a result of a conviction in Martin County for possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony. A probation officer had been trying to contact him, without success, and requested assistance from the Linton Police Department. When officers arrived at his residence in Linton, Tosti allegedly was uncooperative.

He was booked in then charged with:

• Possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony,

• Obstruction of justice – knowingly or intentionally induces by threat, a Level 6 felony, and

• Resisting law enforcement – knowingly or intentionally forcibly resists, a Class A misdemeanor.

His bond was set at $30,000 cash in full with no ten percent allowed. He did not post bond.

On March 8, Tosti entered into a negotiated plea agreement, along with his defense attorney, Greene County Deputy Public Defender Timothy Shonk, and Greene County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Keven McIntosh.

During a change of plea and sentencing hearing last Wednesday, March 17, Tosti changed his plea to guilty of count one, possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony, and the prosecution agreed to dismiss the other two counts.

Judge Dena Martin of Greene Superior Court accepted the terms of the agreement and sentenced Tosti to one year in the Greene County Jail. Tosti was given credit for 48 days already served and he will be eligible for good time credit if eligible.