shernandez@etruth.com

GOSHEN — An Elkhart man who pleaded guilty to dealing methamphetamine was sentenced Thursday to 40 years in prison.

John Miksch, 35, of 1322 Erwin St., was arrested at his residence on July 21, after the Elkhart Police Department’s Special Response Team received information that meth was being made at the house. Miksch lived in a duplex house, with his wife and children living next door.

After an initial search around the residence, Elkhart police requested the Indiana State Police Suppression Unit to assist because of the amount of meth trash found. Elkhart Detective Tim Freel, who was asked to testify by deputy prosecutor Don Pitzer, told the court Miksch’s residence was by far the largest meth lab he had seen in his career.

Pitzer said the amount of material in the residence was of great danger not only to him, but his family and the surrounding neighbors.

Judge Terry Shewmaker pointed our the mitigators for Miksch, which included the fact that he is a U.S. veteran and that he was an emergency medical technician who assisted during 911 calls. However, Shewmaker said Miksch also had an extensive criminal history, and that he also had trouble following orders imposed by the court.

Aside from the 40 years in prison, Miksch was sentenced to three years of probation and to pay $100 in restitution.