News
Related Photos
Bond revoked: Collins back behind bars
Attempt to eliminate a witness alleged
During the early morning hours of Nov. 11 a drug sweep by local, county and state law enforcement officers resulted in multiple arrests throughout Rush County. One of those taken into custody on drug charges was Mary A. Collins, 62, of Milroy.
Collins was arrested on five charges: two counts of dealing a scheduled I, II, or III controlled substance (class “A felony), two counts of dealing a scheduled I, II, or III controlled substance (class “B felony) and maintaining a common nuisance (class “D” felony). Her bond was set at $100,000.
Citing medical issues, six days after her arrest Collins was released from the Rush County Jail on her own recognizance.
Rush County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Barada Jr. said a number of factors went in to the decision to release Collins following her initial arrest.
“Basically, she was released from jail based on medical reasons and possible medical procedures,” Barada said.
As a part of her release agreement the Milroy woman was ordered by the court to appear in person weekly at the Rush County probation office.
However, less than a week later Collins again found herself behind bars after she was taken into custody by RPD officer Randy Meek and RCSD deputy Terry Drake without incident at her residence.
Her more recent arrest came as a result of new allegations against her that surfaced days after her release.
Court records obtained by the Rushville Republican Wednesday indicated that Collins was taken into custody Saturday when her bond was revoked.
The court document signed by Rush County Superior Court Judge Brian Hill read in part:
1.) Defendant’s release on her own recognizance is hereby revoked.
2.) Due to the Defendant’s behavior during her release and threats to potential witnesses, Defendant shall be held without bond pending the conclusion of this case.
According to a portion of the narrative of the incident report that led to her re-arrest, investigators found that Collins was concerned a witness whose statements led to her initial arrest would testify against her and give a deposition in that case. She allegedly sought a means to prevent that individual from showing up for the disposition.
It is alleged that while in jail Collins was informed by other inmates that if someone did not show up for a disposition the charges against the incarcerated person would be dropped.
Upon her release Collins allegedly contacted an unidentified individual in an attempt to have a witness in the case against her terminated.
The Milroy woman allegedly stated that she had cash money and was willing to pay $5,000 to have the unidentified individual kill the witness against her.
“Once we were made aware of the new information we felt that it was no longer appropriate for Collins to be out on her own recognizance and we acted swiftly,” Barada said.
Collins has been appointed a public defender on the initial charges and is tentatively scheduled for a jury trial to begin at 9 a.m. March 23, 2010.
Frank Denzler can be contacted at (765) 932-2222 ext. 106 or via e-mail at frank.denzler@rushvillerepublican.com. To add a comment to this story visit our Web site at www.rushvillerepublican.com.
- News
-
- Timber buyer charged with Corrupt Business Influence RIPLEY COUNTY — A Milan man has been charged with corrupt business influence by the Ripley County Prosecutor’s Office.
- RCHS info Here are some important dates for RCHS parents and students.
- Two new schools, one main goal: Success On Aug. 16, students will step foot for the first time into the fully-operational new elementary schools in Arlington and Milroy. It will mark the completion of a building project that began in the fall of 2008.
- Youth Outdoors A “Youth Outdoor Experience” day will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Rushville Conservation Club on SR 44 east of Rushville.
- Backpacks K-12 clients of the Blue River Community Harvest, Inc. of Carthage and other qualified individuals can receive backpacks and school supplies from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Harvest building.
- Joy ride results in flight to trauma center A report of a motorcycle accident resulted in multiple county and city law enforcement personnel and other responding units being dispatched to Rushville Road south of CR 200N shortly before 9 p.m. Tuesday.
- Training facility nearing completion The Rushville Fire Department recently added a piece to what fire chief Chuck Jenkins and others say will be a state of the art firefighting training facility located on Smiley Avenue near the Rushville Animal Shelter.
- GIS info to be accessible online In an anticipated 2 to 3 months, Rushville will have access to an online Geographic Information System that will, among other things, aid those who are in the process of buying a home.
- 30 mph limit remains in place on Fort Wayne Road The Rush County Commissioners recently conducted a public meeting regarding an earlier decision to reduce the speed limit on Fort Wayne Road north from the city limits to CR 300N and on CR 200N between SR 3 and Fort Wayne Road.
- Occupants escape houseboat fire Brookville — Indiana Conservation Officers responded to a boat fire on Brookville Reservoir Saturday afternoon.
- More News Headlines
