Felony court news - Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025

Drug possession

Multiple Jay County people were sentenced to serve time for drug possession.

Melinda S. Montgomery, 39, 234 N. Meridian St., Dunkirk, pleaded guilty in Jay Superior Court to possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony. She was sentenced to 910 days in Jay County Jail with all but 180 days suspended and given 144 days credit for time served. Montgomery was placed on probation for 730 days, assessed $189 in court costs and ordered to pay a $200 drug abuse, prosecution, interdiction and correction fee. As part of her plea agreement, two Level 6 felonies for unlawful possession of a syringe and maintaining a common nuisance, as well as a Class C misdemeanor for possession of paraphernalia.’

Curtis A. Faught, 42, 328 South Jaqua Ave., Portland, pleaded guilty in Jay Superior Court to possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony. He also admitted he is a habitual offender. Faught was sentenced to 545 days in Indiana Department of Correction and given 258 days credit for time served. Faught was fined $25, assessed $189 in court costs and ordered to pay a $200 drug abuse, prosecution, interdiction and correction fee. As part of his plea agreement, a Class C misdemeanor for possession of paraphernalia was dismissed. 

Gary L. Hines, 46, Portland, pleaded guilty in Jay Superior Court to possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony. He was sentenced to 545 days in Jay County Jail. Hines was fined $25, assessed $189 in court costs and ordered to pay a $200 drug abuse, prosecution, interdiction and correction fee. 

Shannon Riley, 41, 4057 S. 1000 West, Redkey, pleaded guilty in Jay Circuit Court to possession of methamphetamine and neglect of a dependent, both Level 5 felonies. He was sentenced to three years in Indiana Department of Correction and given credit for time served. Riley was assessed $189 in court costs and ordered to pay a $200 drug abuse, prosecution, interdiction and correction fee. As part of his plea agreement, a Level 4 felony for dealing methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony for obstruction of justice and a Class C misdemeanor for possession of paraphernalia were dismissed.