Jennie Carter Bench Trial to Begin Today in Starke Circuit

Jennie Carter will appear in Starke Circuit Court this morning at 9 a.m. for a bench trial. She had been slated for a jury trial but her attorney filed a waiver for a bench trial which was granted in a hearing yesterday afternoon. Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall will preside over the hearing and make a judgment after all evidence is heard. Fifteen witnesses are expected to testify in this case.

Carter is accused of one count of theft after allegedly taking over $7,000 in funds from the Starke County Tourism Commission for personal use. She had reportedly told the commission that the money would be used for taxes to be submitted to the Indiana Department of Revenue. The money was never submitted to the Department of Revenue but were instead used for her personal needs. The Indiana State Police investigated the incident and Carter was arrested and charged with theft.