Heather Marie Traster

WARSAW — A woman who falsely accused a man of battery, resulting in his arrest, has now been arrested.

Heather M. Traster, 29, 903 W. Osprey Drive, Mentone, was booked Saturday afternoon, Aug. 29, on charges of obstruction of justice, a level 6 felony and false informing, a class A misdemeanor. Her bond has been set at $5,000 surety and $250 cash.

The county prosecutor’s office began an investigation on June 15 after receiving a letter, allegedly from Traster. The letter stated she made up the story of James H. Hurd III choking her and an infant being in the room. The letter also contained an apology for wasting everyone’s time and lying.

The prosecutor’s office on July 1 received a faxed copy of an affidavit signed by Traster. The document was faxed to the prosecutor’s office from the law office of Eldon Stoops, which she stated under oath, she intentionally lied to police to get even with Hurd. She also stated the charges against Hurd were based on false information and she knows the statements made to the county deputy were false. The original document was received July 9.

Events began on June 2, when Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Deputy Shawn Castillo responded to the area of West Raccoon Lane, Claypool regarding a battery investigation. He met with Traster who provided a videotaped statement detailing a violent episode and physical assault just prior to the officer’s arrival.

She accused Hurd, the father of her infant son, battered, choked and pushed her down, while the infant was present. She also showed the officer red marks allegedly caused by Hurd as well as damage in the home. Hurd was not present at that time.

Formal charges were filed against Hurd on June 11. He was arrested on June 19 on charges of battery with moderate bodily injury and held on a $6,000 surety/cash bond.