First of two pot-related plea hearings Dec. 18

Published 4:00 pm Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Two former inhabitants of a residence just south of the Lostine Tavern who were arrested Oct. 21 for a long list of alleged marijuana-related violations, including endangering the welfare of six minor children, soon will have their initial opportunity to plead their case in court.

Angela Eckhardt, indicted on three felony charges including the Class B felony of unlawful manufacture of marijuana and 12 Class A misdemeanors will be offered the opportunity to plead guilty or seek a trial in Circuit Court on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Arrested at the same time was Jay Butzien. Run through the judicial system separately, Butzien was indicted on four felony counts two marijuana-related and two for felon in possession of a firearm and the same 12 Class A misdemeanor charges that Eckhardt faces; six counts of endangering the welfare of six different children living in the home at the time of arrest and six counts of recklessly endangering those six children.

Arresting officers Oct. 21 reported that 161 marijuana plants, several packages of processed marijuana, firearms, ammunition, and grow equipment were confiscated.

Butziens plea hearing is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2014.