Staff Report

Megan L. Kneller

COLUMBIA CITY — A Columbia City woman was arrested for allegedly possessing marijuana products in the presence of two children.

Megan L. Kneller, 32, 1129 E. Keiser Road, Columbia City, is charged with two counts of neglect of a dependent, both level 6 felonies; 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 Nov. 12, a Whitley County Sheriff’s Office deputy went to an elementary school regarding a student possessing a controlled substance. A school resource officer said a student notified their teacher about two packages inside their backpack.

According to court documents, the packages contained THC candies. The teacher said the student turned in the packages since they were not supposed to have them. They also said the packages belonged to Kneller.

School administration said Kneller was at the school on Oct. 23, appearing to be intoxicated and smelling like marijuana.

Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Kneller’s residence. Upon searching Kneller’s room, officers found multiple items of drug paraphernalia and controlled substances. Two children’s rooms in Kneller’s residence were also searched, but no illicit items were found.

In an interview, Kneller said she recognized the packages containing THC candies but did not place them inside a child’s backpack. She said she received marijuana and THC products from an individual who works at a dispensary in Michigan.

Kneller has already been arrested and released on bond.