Jackson County couple arrested for theft, distribution of meth

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Two Jackson County residents were arrested after it was discovered they were in possession of stolen property, methamphetamine and marijuana.

Christa Vonhoene, 47, of Seymour faces a Level 2 felony charge of dealing in meth more than 10 grams; Level 6 felony charges of unlawful possession or use of a legend drug, theft of a firearm, theft of an automobile and maintaining a common nuisance; and misdemeanor charges of possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and possession of paraphernalia.

Earl Root, 50, of Medora faces a Level 3 felony charge of possession of more than 28 grams of meth; a Level 6 felony charge of maintaining a common nuisance; and a misdemeanor charge of possession of paraphernalia.

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A Level 3 felony carries a sentence of three to 16 years with an advisory sentence of nine years if convicted, while a Level 2 felony carries a sentence of 10 to 30 years with an advisory sentence of 17½ years.

According to the probable cause affidavit signed by Trooper Robert D. Hutson, the investigation started in March of this year when the state police received information about possible methamphetamine distribution in the Medora area.

During that investigation, police recovered a stolen 1994 Harley-Davidson motorcycle at a residence. The owner of the residence told investigators the motorcycle had been brought there by Vonhoene three years ago.

Police then went to Vonhoene’s residence in Seymour and questioned her about the motorcycle, which was reported stolen in 2017.

According to police, Vonhoene claimed her recently deceased husband, who she says was the part-owner of a pawn shop, purchased the motorcycle years earlier.

While talking with her, police said they noticed Vonhoene’s story changing multiple times leading them to a request a search warrant for the property.

That’s when Vonhoene began to yell for her boyfriend inside. A man was seen exiting through the back of the property, police said. That man was stopped from leaving by police, and an additional search of the property led to the discovery of Root.

Vonhoene identified Root as her boyfriend and said other man was a friend of theirs. After a search of that man’s vehicle returned no evidence, he was allowed to leave, police said.

Police were granted the warrant and began to search the property. During the search, they found substances Vonhoene would later identify as methamphetamine and marijuana, police said.

Vonhoene admitted she used both recreationally and she also was in possession of multiple prescription medications that did not belong to her.

Police reported they found more than 40 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana and various prescription medications.

Police then said Vonhoene admitted to dealing methamphetamine for four years, selling around 10 grams per week. She said she would get the drugs from Indianapolis and bring them to Jackson County to sell them for a profit. Vonhoene said she did this as a way to make money after the death of her husband.

Vonhoene also told police she was in possession of a few handguns, which were found during the search.

During questioning, Root also admitted to using methamphetamine at Vonhoene’s residence.

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