Staff report

Austin J. Echeman

COLUMBIA CITY — Two Columbia City people are facing child neglect charges after police 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 felony.

On Oct. 17, a Columbia City police officer responded to a 911 call at a residence. Upon arriving at the scene, the officer spoke with Echeman and Groce. Both Groce and Echeman said they got into a verbal argument and accidentally called 911.

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

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

After further searching the residence, officers found more marijuana and drug paraphernalia. In a diaper bag hanging on a crib, law enforcement found a THC vaporizer.

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