Second of Six Sentenced in Indiana Home Invasion, Beating
VALPARAISO -- The court cases continue for six young men accused of breaking into a home on Sept. 3, 2007 and beating the homeowner. Jason Solivais, 19, was sentenced and another had his trial date moved.
Solivais, 19, has a six-year sentence with all but the six months and 12 days already served in Porter County Jail to be served as formal probation. He pleaded to aiding in criminal mischief and to residential entry.
Zakcary A. Kaiser, also 19, of Merrillville, had his trial moved to Aug. 11 from June 9 so that his public defender, Delores Aylesworth, could interview the other suspects and witnesses in the case, about a dozen people, she told Judge William Alexa.
Deputy prosecuting attorney Michael Drenth said that the attorney for the other suspect that has not pleaded, Thomas Kendera of Valparaiso, probably would not allow the interview.
However, the four who have pleaded already are expected to cooperate as part of their plea bargains.
Before Solivais, James. S. Christman III of North Judson pleaded on April 11, was sentenced later that month after making a similar agreement to Solivais.
Two more have pleaded guilty with the same plea agreement. Derrick Scott of Hobart pleaded May 1 and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11, and James Allen Watt of Hobart pleaded on April 18 and is scheduled for sentencing May 30.
Kendera has been formally charged with confinement, burglary, battery and criminal mischief. He faces up to 51 years in prison. His trial is set for May 5.
Kaiser faces the same charges as Kendera. He will be in Alexa's court Friday for a hearing on bail reduction.
Prior to the Sept. 3 incident, Kaiser was facing charges from the Army for desertion. Aylesworth said the Army has requested him after his August trial.
According to court records, the incident began when Kendera allegedly wanted revenge for a drug transaction gone bad. The six men allegedly broke into the house through a window and used bats to beat the brother of the man they were looking for and to destroy property.
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