Barbara Carroll Middleton

WARSAW — It was a tearful day in court for Barbara C. Middleton, 26, 3130 W. Myrtle Glen Road, Silver Lake. Though her request to return to probation fell on deaf ears, an offer to voluntarily submit to incarceration may lead to a shorter sentence and brighter future for Middleton.

Middleton, faced with a probation violation on a prior charge of dealing in a schedule I controlled substance, made a request to the court that she be allowed to continue serving her suspended sentence with stricter regulations.

However, Probation Officer Ronda Wiesehan noted Middleton had not exhausted the resources before her, such as joining the Serenity House program. Though Middleton’s attorney, Joseph Sobek, noted Middleton’s financial status had prevented her from enrolling in the program, Wiesehan stated officials with the program had offered assistance to Middleton to be able to afford the rent payments at the house.

Middleton noted she knew she had “messed up” but that she was due in court on Jan. 26, to attempt to regain custody of her children. She requested again the opportunity to simply be replaced on probation — a request Reed denied.

“I, of course, want you to take care of your girls,” stated Reed to Middleton. “We gave you plenty of time to do these things correctly. I didn’t want to see you in prison and that is why you were given the suspended sentence. I’m not the one who put you in prison, you did that.”

Reed offered Middleton the opportunity to either receive a sentence and serve her time or to voluntarily seek the help he believes she needs while incarcerated. In exchange for her voluntary incarceration and enrollment and completion of drug reformation programs, Reed revoked the six-year sentence originally proposed.

Upon her completion of the program, Reed noted the court would reconsider her sentence.

“If you complete the program successfully, we will look at sentencing again,” stated Reed.