Judge Hall Finds Jennie Carter Guilty of Theft of Tourism Funds

Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall heard the final arguments in the case against Jennie Carter this afternoon and rendered his verdict in the bench trial against the woman accused of taking $7,000 in Starke County Tourism Commission funds for her own use.

Carter faced a count of Theft as a Class D felony in the bench trial which began last Wednesday. Three witnesses testified throughout the course of the bench trial, including the lead investigator in the case with the Indiana State Police, Debbie Mix of the Starke County Tourism Commission and Chamber of Commerce, and the defendant.

Final arguments began Wednesday afternoon and continued today, when the elements of the theft charge were explained and other legal issues were discussed.

The verdict was left to Judge Hall to decide, who entered a verdict of guilty of Theft as a Class D felony. Carter will receive her sentence on March 25 at 10 a.m. in the Starke Circuit Court.