Staff Report

WALKERTON — Three people were arrested in Marshall County after officers responded to a custody complaint.

Victoria Howorth Willis, 56, Deep Run, N.C., is charged with possession of methamphetamine and neglect of a dependent, both level 6 felonies; and possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor.

Winter Willis Watson, 34, Deep Run, N.C., is charged with possession of methamphetamine and neglect of a dependent, both level 6 felonies.

Jay Allen Watson, 32, Walkerton, is charged with domestic battery committed in the presence of a child, a level 6 felony.

On June 20, a Marshall County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a report of an unwanted person at a Walkerton residence. Upon arrival at the scene, the deputy learned Winter and Willis came to the home with two children.

According to court documents, Jay said he left North Carolina with his young child because Winter was “unstable and addicted to drugs.” Jay said he came to Indiana to stay with a relative.

Officers told Jay and Winter they needed to contact legal advice and establish custody of the child through the court system. About an hour after this incident, officers responded to a report of Winter alleging she was battered by Jay.

Winter and Willis came to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, with Winter saying Jay grabbed a hold of her and threw her to the ground.

Officers spoke with Jay, who said he pushed Winter after she called the young child over to her vehicle. Jay said he immediately grabbed the child and entered the Walkerton residence.

Throughout their interactions with her, officers noticed Winter appeared to be under the influence. A K9 unit alerted to drugs inside Winter’s vehicle. Winter provided officers with THC gummies and drug paraphernalia with burnt residue from her vehicle.

In an interview on June 21, Winter said she threw meth out of her vehicle prior to being incarcerated.

Jay, Winter, and Willis were all booked in the Marshall County Jail on June 20.