By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

Brittany Denise Fields

WARSAW — A Wabash woman received a suspended prison sentence after dealing heroin with her mother.

Brittany Denise Fields, 29, 249 W. CR 250S, Wabash, was charged with two counts of dealing in a narcotic drug, both level 5 felonies. Two possession of narcotic drug charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Brittany was sentenced in Kosciusko Circuit Court on Monday, May 11.

On June 14, 2018, Syracuse police officers made a controlled purchase of heroin from Brittany and her mother, Bernice Fields. Officers purchased 0.3 grams of heroin from them.

On June 20, 2018, Syracuse police officers made a second controlled purchase of heroin from Brittany and Bernice.

During court proceedings, Defense Attorney Austin Rovenstine said Brittany had been accepted into the Wabash County Drug Court program. However, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Buehler expressed concern about Brittany receiving a suspended sentence due to the dealing charges.

“Brittany was the weaker partner in that relationship,” said Rovenstine. “The people involved are her family and the place was her home. She’s relying on the drug court program to help her.”

“I’m trying to better myself and I will respect anything you give me,” said Brittany.

For each count of dealing in a narcotic drug, Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed sentenced Brittany to four years in the Indiana Department of Correction. Both counts will be served concurrently. Her sentence was suspended on formal probation. As part of her probation, Brittany must immediately participate in and successfully complete a drug court program.

“I’m thinking this is the only way to save your life,” said Reed. “I’m going to give you a chance. Change your people, places and things.”

Bernice Fields was sentenced in February 2019 to four years in DoC.