Elizabeth Likens

KOSCIUSKO — A Winona Lake woman was sentenced in three drug-related cases in Kosciusko Circuit Court today, April 22.

In the first case, Elizabeth Likens, 32, 1202 Wooster Road, No. 13, Winona Lake, was charged with possession of methamphetamine and failure to appear, both level 6 felonies. In the second case, Likens was also charged with unlawful possession of a syringe, a level 6 felony; possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor; and failure to appear, a level 6 felony. In the third case, Likens was charged with possession of methamphetamine, a level 6 felony; and false informing, a class B misdemeanor.

On May 26, 2018, an officer with the Claypool Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by a male subject. According to the affidavit of probable cause, Likens arrived at the scene and said a purse in the vehicle containing methamphetamine belonged to her.

On Sept. 12, 2018, an officer with the Warsaw Police Department served an arrest warrant on Likens and located her in the front seat of a vehicle. While serving the warrant, the officer discovered hypodermic syringes and a spoon in the vehicle.

On Jan. 8, 2019, officers with the Warsaw Police Department were dispatched to a domestic dispute in Central Park. Upon arrival, the officers saw a female subject, later identified as Likens, attempting to walk away from a male subject.

Both Likens and the male identified themselves and said that a physical altercation did not occur. Police later obtained information that both Likens and the male had falsely identified themselves. A search of the area was conducted and Likens was located. While searching Likens, officers found syringes that tested positive for methamphetamine.

During sentencing, defense attorneys Travis Neff and Jack Birch delivered statements on Likens.

“She has made some tremendous strides,” said Neff. “And she wants to be a part of community corrections or work release.”

“Ms. Likens should also be allowed to secure employment because of her improvements,” said Birch.

“I am more than aware of what my actions have caused,” said Likens. “I just want to obtain employment and make good plans for myself going forward.”

In the May 2018 case, Judge Michael Reed sentenced Likens to one year in the Kosciusko County Jail. The sentence for the May 2018 case will be served first. Reed said he has no objections to Likens serving the sentence through work release. For the September 2018 case, Reed sentenced Likens to one year in the Kosciusko County Jail, with six months of the sentence suspended on formal probation. He said he has no objections to Likens serving the second case’s sentence through work release or community corrections.

For the January case, Reed sentenced Likens to one year in the Kosciusko County Jail, with six months of the sentence suspended on formal probation. All three sentences will be served consecutively.

A case involving a counterfeiting charge was dismissed by the court. Likens is scheduled for sentencing in a case regarding child solicitation on April 25.