Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - Felony Courts

Attempted arson

An Ohio woman was sentenced to prison for attempting arson.

Julie E. Smith, 39, 804 W. Market St., Celina, pleaded guilty in Jay Circuit Court to attempted arson, a Level 4 felony. She was sentenced to six years in Indiana Department of Correction with two years suspended and given credit for time served. Smith was assessed $189 in court costs.

As part of her plea agreement, the following charges were dismissed: two Level 6 felonies for neglect of a dependent and a Class A misdemeanor for operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.15% or more.

Nonsupport

A Missouri man was sentenced to nearly half a year in jail for three counts of nonsupport of a dependent child.

Daniel Novak, 43, 2837 Miami St., Saint Louis, pleaded guilty to three Level 6 felonies in Jay Circuit Court. He was sentenced to 910 days in Jay County Jail with 746 days suspended and given 164 days credit. Novak assessed $189 in court costs and ordered to pay $13,090.51 to the benefit of Tina Fisher and $23,255.54 to the benefit of Jasma Schweiterman.