TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A Terre Haute man will spend decades behind bars after pleading guilty to robbery and aggravated battery in a case where he shot two juveniles during an alleged drug deal gone wrong.
Christopher M. Compton appeared in Vigo County Superior Court 3 Thursday for sentencing. Previously, Compton had agreed to a plea deal in late March where he pleaded guilty to one count of robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, and one count of aggravated battery with substantial risk of death.
In exchange for his guilty plea charges of attempted murder, the armed robbery and criminal recklessness charges were dropped.
Judge Sarah K Mullican sentenced Compton to a total of 30 years in prison. 20 years for the level 2 felony robbery charge with 10 years for the level 3 felony aggravated battery charge to be served consecutively.
Vigo County Prosecutor Terry Modesitt said the involvement of a weapon increased the penalty his office sought from the judge.
“This is another example of a case whereby I as the Vigo County Prosecutor am going to take a tough stance on firearms being possessed and or used in drug deals,” Modesitt said. “I would like to thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case.”
During the sentencing hearing the victim’s mother made a statement to the court, while the defendant’s grandmother also spoke.
“If the Defendant maintains good conduct with no major conduct violations, completes a high school equivalency degree, and completes substance abuse treatment, the State of Indiana will not object to a petition to modify placement and/or suspend the sentence with ten (10) years or fewer remaining on the sentence,” the judge’s sentencing order reads.
Compton will receive credit for time served in the amount of 548 days. Compton must also have no contact with the victims involved.
Read the full sentencing order below:
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