Staff Report

Austin J. Echeman

COLUMBIA CITY — Two people from Columbia City are facing child neglect charges after officers found drugs inside a home.

Austin J. Echeman, 25; and Jaelynn R. Groce, 19, both of 408 E. Collins St., Columbia City, are each charged with neglect of a dependent, a level 6 felony; possession of a controlled substance, a class A misdemeanor; possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor; and possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor.

On Oct. 17, a Columbia City Police officer responded to a 911 hangup at a residence. Upon arrival at the scene, the officer spoke with Echeman and Groce. Both Groce and Echeman said they had a verbal argument and accidentally called 911.

According to court documents, while at the home, the officer smelled marijuana and noticed a marijuana grinder. Groce said two young children were asleep in the residence and told the officer the marijuana grinder belonged to a relative.

Officers obtained a search warrant for the residence, as Echeman was on probation at the time. Whitley County Sheriff’s Office deputies assisted at the scene with the warrant.

Upon further searching the residence, officers found more marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Inside a diaper bag hanging on a crib, law enforcement found a THC vape.

Echeman was booked in the Whitley County Jail on Oct. 17. A warrant was issued for Groce’s arrest on Oct. 17.