Mary Ellen Avery

KOSCIUSKO — A Warsaw woman who recently graduated from the Kosciusko County Jail’s inaugural JCAP program was sentenced to six years in the Indiana Department of Corrections for methamphetamine charges.

Mary Ellen Avery, 51, 409 N. Washington St. B., Warsaw, was charged with dealing in methamphetamine, a level 4 felony; and possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor. Charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a narcotic drug and unlawful possession of a syringe were dropped.

On April 17, 2018, Kosciusko County Community Corrections officers requested assistance of Warsaw Police Department for a home visit of Avery’s residence. Avery was on home detention at the time of the incident.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, officers found a female subject who had an active arrest warrant inside of Avery’s residence. While searching the female, officers found methamphetamine that weighed 1.3 grams and a glass smoking device. Upon searching the residence, officers found a clear plastic bag containing methamphetamine that weighed 4.9 grams.

Avery admitted to officers that she purchases methamphetamine and sells it in 1/8 ounce increments. Officers also searched Avery’s cellular phone and found information consistent with dealing methamphetamine.

During sentencing, Defense Attorney John Barrett discussed Avery’s accomplishments during her incarceration, including her graduation from the Kosciusko County Jail Chemical Addiction Program.

“She’s put in a lot of hard work while in jail and has been a model inmate,” said Barrett.

“I have accepted responsibility for everything I’ve done,” said Avery. “And I have also been very blessed to have been given the opportunity to participate in JCAP. Seeing the community and others’ support for us has been phenomenal.”

For the dealing in methamphetamine charge, Judge Michael Reed sentenced Avery to six years in the Indiana Department of Corrections. He also sentenced Avery to 60 days in the Kosciusko County Jail for possession of paraphernalia. Reed said he would consider modifying Avery’s sentence if she successfully completed the Recovery While Incarcerated program during her sentence.

“I trust that you will continue to improve yourself,” said Reed. “Good luck.”