WARSAW — A Milford woman received a reduced sentence for drug charges and the neglect of dependents when defense as well as prosecution officials agreed she had begun to show signs of rehabilitation.

Whitney Leighann Schwab

Whitney Leighann Schwab, 28, 406 Turkey Creek Drive, Milford, pleaded guilty on July 2, to neglect of a dependent, a level 6 felony and possession of methamphetamine, a level 6 felony.

Mark Caruso, representing the prosecution in the sentencing hearing on Monday, July 30, in Kosciusko County Circuit Court, told Judge Michael Reed that Schwab’s actions since her Oct. 3, 2017, arrest. “We don’t have a problem with the minimal sentence in this matter,” Caruso said.

Schwab’s defense attorney, Ben Vanderpool, agreed. “She is taking steps to learn skills to prevent this from happening again,” he said.

Schwab was arrested as part of a sweep to serve active warrants when police arrived at her residence for Paul Luna. Police reported finding methamphetamine, marijuana and copious amounts of paraphernalia in the residence. A quantity of methamphetamine was found in Schwab’s purse. Police reported finding some of the paraphernalia mixed in with clothing belonging to three small children residing at the residence. The children were removed and placed in the custody of Child Protective Services.

Vanderpool told Reed that his client had been actively engaging recovery programs in an effort to show initiative toward being reunited with her children. Reed reminded Schwab that recovery is not an event, but a process and advised her against complacency.

“I’m just working really hard for the kids and sobriety,” she told the judge.

Reed sentenced Schwab to one and one-half years for each of the charges and suspended the jail time in favor of probation. She was also given credit for time served behind bars.