Schererville man gets 35-year sentence as an habitual offender
Post-Tribune staff report August 28, 2012 4:42PM
Updated: August 30, 2012 9:59PM
Lake Superior Court Judge pro tem J. Philip McGraw sentenced a Schererville man to 35 years in prison for burglary and being an habitual offender.
Shawn Craft, 37, was convicted during a jury trial on July 24 of burglary, punishable by six to 20 years. McGraw noted Craft’s DNA was found inside the victim’s home. The burglary occurred Oct. 28 in Hammond.
Deputy prosecutor Monica Rogina argued for an aggravated sentence in light of Craft’s extensive criminal history, which includes 10 prior misdemeanor convictions and six prior felonies.
Craft admitted he is an habitual offender during the trial.
Defense attorney Alex Woloshansky said his client disputed facts in the case, including whether Craft had cut his hand and bled inside the home. Woloshansky argued for a sentence of 15 years or less on the burglary charge, in part because Craft helps his mother who is ill.
Craft has two pending burglary cases and a battery case in Lake County. In Porter County, he has a pending burglary case.
