3-year-old tests positive for meth

Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 2:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

The report of a 3-year-old child testing positive for methamphetamine in Marshall County sent detectives from the Sheriff’s Department to the home to remove the children and arrest the adults.

On August 22, the Marshall County Detective Bureau obtained information from the Indiana Department of Child Services about a young child testing positive for methamphetamine.

The Marshall County Sheriff's Detective Bureau then started a criminal investigation into the situation. On Tuesday, August 27, a search warrant was executed for the residence of Sarah Tibbs in the 4,000 block of Olive Road in Marshall County. A substance believed to be methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia was recovered.

Sarah Tibbs, 31, and Timothy J. Barnette, age 55, were arrested, transported to the Marshall County Jail and booked in. Tibbs was booked for neglect of a dependent and possession of meth. Barnette was booked for possession of meth. Both were held on $1,500 cash bonds.

The children within the home were removed and placed in an alternative care home.

Lt. Detective Les McFarland said, “Liberating children from a bad environment is always a good outcome.”

Readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is merely an allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.