By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews
KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Parker Scott Harner, 27, 102 S. Main St., Apt. 3, Claypool, was sentenced to 2 1/2 years at the Indiana Department of Corrections for his part of battering an inmate at the Kosciusko County Jail in 2023. Harner appeared in court Thursday, May 16, for a change of plea and immediate sentencing.
Originally charged with battery resulting in serious bodily injury, a level 5 felony; and criminal mischief, a class B misdemeanor, Harner plead guilty to the battery charge with the criminal mischief charge being dismissed.
Harner apologized to the victims of his crime.
Kosciusko Superior Court Judge Karin McGrath, who accepted the plea, stated, “You’re a pretty young man for such a lengthy criminal history … You have a lot going for you in your life. A lot of people depend on you. I hope you’re a man wanting to change.
“The burden is going to be on you, to turn your life around if you want it bad enough,” stated McGrath.
Harner was one of two men arrested in October 2023 and charged with battering an inmate at the county jail.
On May 31, a Kosciusko County Jail corporal was informed of a male inmate being battered. The inmate had a laceration in the corner of his left eye and his nose was crooked. When the corporal asked what happened, the inmate appeared dazed and was unable to answer questions. The inmate was then taken to a local hospital.
According to court documents, the inmate slowly began to remember what happened and said he was battered by Brett Niccum and Harner. He said the confrontation with Niccum and Harner started because he had an argument with an officer.
The inmate was diagnosed with a nasal bone fracture and post-concussion syndrome. He also received four stitches for the laceration near his eye.
Surveillance footage from the jail showed Niccum, Harner, and the inmate having a conversation when Harner and Niccum began punching the inmate.
While searching Harner’s cell after the incident, an officer found a shredded sheet and towel that had been made into a pillow.
