Man Previously Convicted of Forgery Heads Back to Jail for Six-Year Sentence

Starke County Courthouse

A man convicted in 2008 for forging multiple checks from the North Judson-San Pierre Band Boosters was sentenced last week in Starke Circuit Court for violating his probation. Joseph Rojas, Jr. was convicted and sentenced to 12 years in the Department of Corrections with six years suspended. He was recently released to probation under the condition that he make his monthly restitution payments.

Unfortunately for Rojas, he failed to pay his restitution, the total for which was $14,850 and he missed a number of probation appointments as well.

As a result, Rojas was sentenced to complete the rest of his sentence: six years in the Department of Corrections, and his probation was terminated unsatisfactorily. Judge Kim Hall said the court would consider a modification of his sentence in the event that he does make substantial payments toward the restitution.

Rojas was credited with 44 days time served.