Rodgrell L. Grigsby, Appellant-Defendant v. State of Indiana, Appellee-Plaintiff (2026)

MEMORANDUM DECISION

Case Summary

[1] After pleading guilty to Level 5 felony dealing in a narcotic drug, Rodgrell Grigsby was sentenced to five years in the Indiana Department of Correction. Grigsby challenges his sentence on appeal, arguing that it is inappropriate in light of the nature of his offense and his character. We affirm.

Facts and Procedural History

[2] On April 28, 2025, Grigsby sold fentanyl to a confidential informant at a Fort Wayne gas station. On August 22, 2025, the State charged Grigsby with Level 5 felony dealing in a narcotic drug. On November 24, 2025, Grigsby pled guilty without the benefit of a plea agreement. The trial court accepted Grigsby's plea and found him guilty as charged. On December 18, 2025, the trial court entered a judgment of conviction and sentenced Grigsby to a five-year term of incarceration.

Discussion and Decision

[3] Grigsby contends that his five-year executed sentence is inappropriately harsh. Indiana Appellate Rule 7(B) provides that we “may revise a sentence authorized by statute if, after due consideration of the trial court's decision, the Court finds that the sentence is inappropriate in light of the nature of the offense and the character of the offender.” In analyzing such claims, we “concentrate less on comparing the facts of [the case at issue] to others, whether real or hypothetical, and more on focusing on the nature, extent, and depravity of the offense for which the defendant is being sentenced, and what it reveals about the defendant's character.” Paul v. State, 888 N.E.2d 818, 825 (Ind. Ct. App. 2008) (internal quotation omitted), trans. denied. The defendant bears the burden of persuading us that his sentence is inappropriate. Sanchez v. State, 891 N.E.2d 174, 176 (Ind. Ct. App. 2008).

[4] Grigsby pled guilty to Level 5 felony dealing in a narcotic drug. Indiana Code section 35-50-2-6(b) provides that “a person who commits a Level 5 felony ․ shall be imprisoned for a fixed term of between one (1) and six (6) years, with the advisory sentence being three (3) years.” Grigsby argues that his five-year sentence, while permitted under Indiana Code section 35-50-2-6(b), is inappropriate in light of the nature of his offense and his character. We disagree.

[5] As for the nature of the offense, Grigsby knowingly sold fentanyl, which is dangerous as it carries a high potential for abuse and overdose. See generally https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl and https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/fentanyl (both last visited on August 4, 2026). Grigsby's character, criminal history, and failure to respond positively to less-restrictive sanctions do not reflect well on his character. “Even a minor criminal record reflects poorly on a defendant's character[.]” Reis v. State, 88 N.E.3d 1099, 1105 (Ind. Ct. App. 2017). Grigsby has three prior juvenile adjudications, five misdemeanor convictions and three felony convictions. Many of Grigsby's convictions are for possession of illegal drugs, and he also has two convictions for robbery resulting in bodily injury and one for illegal possession of a firearm. Grigsby has also had his probation revoked. In light of the nature of his offense and his character, Grigsby has failed to persuade us that his five-year sentence is inappropriate.

[6] The judgment of the trial court is affirmed.

Bradford, Judge.

Tavitas, C.J., and Felix, J., concur.