Court briefs: Man gets 6.5 years for abuse and teen accused of throwing firework

Hobart man gets 6.5-year split term for boy’s neglect, attacking relatives

A judge sentenced a Hobart man last week to a 6.5-year split sentence in plea deal for abusing his girlfriend’s son in 2021 and attacking relatives in separate incidents.

Blake Neyhart, 26, admitted to domestic battery resulting in bodily injury to a person less than 14 years of age, a Level 5 felony, and domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, a Level 6 felony.

It was his third plea deal. When Judge Gina Jones rejected the last plea agreement, she cited concerns for the boy’s safety.

For the boy’s abuse, Neyhart was sentenced to two years in Lake County Community Corrections and three years of probation. He must take parenting classes and complete drug and alcohol counseling. He is also required t