Starke Circuit Court Judge Sentences Two in Proceedings Friday

Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall sentenced two in court Friday morning.

Amber Bottorff

Judge Hall accepted a plea agreement submitted for Amber Bottorff where she plead guilty to a charge of Maintaining a Common Nuisance, a Class D Felony. As part of the agreement, a charge of Dealing in Methamphetamine, a Class B Felony was dropped. As part of her sentence, she will serve 18 months on home detention.

On December 31st, 2010, North Judson Police were requested to assist the Starke County Community Corrections team while they were conducting a home inspection. After checking on a detainee in the 5900 block of U-road, officers made a discovery of an active Methamphetamine Lab. North Judson Officer, Mat Anderson, arrested Amber Rae Bottorff, 21, of North Judson for Manufacturing of Methamphetamine and Maintaining a Common Nuisance.

Erica Bailey

Judge Hall also accepted a plea agreement for Erica Bailey who plead guilty to Dumping Controlled Substance Waste and Possession of Chemical Reagents or Precursors with the Intent to Manufacture, both Class D Felonies. She was sentenced to four years in the Indiana Department of Corrections, with two years suspended. She will serve her two year sentence on home detention.

On December 8th, 2010, Knox City Police Department officers, along with the Starke County Sheriff’s Department officers, were told that individuals in room 110 in the Super Value Inn were manufacturing methamphetamine inside the room. A Starke County deputy observed Erica Bailey inside the room allegedly throwing a methamphetamine lab out the back window. Officers searched the room and found items to manufacture methamphetamine. The Indiana State Police Clandestine Team was called to clean up the crime scene.

As a result of the investigation, Erica Bailey was arrested on charges of Dumping Controlled Substance Waste and Possession of Precursors.