An ongoing case against Starke County resident Earl Beem reached a conclusion in Starke Circuit Court this week when Beem plead guilty to charges and received sentencing.
Beem was initially charged in April 2025 with multiple felony counts, including allegations of dealing in methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, dealing in a narcotic drug, and possession of a narcotic drug.
According to information shared by Starke County Prosecutor Leslie A. Baker, Beem plead guilty on February 13th to Possession of Methamphetamine, over 28 grams, which is a level 3 Felony; and Possession of a Narcotic Drug, a level 6 Felony.
Baker stated that the court sentenced Beem to 15 years in the Indiana Department of Correction, with 2 years suspended to be served on probation.
According to Baker, the Court noted Beem’s previous criminal history during sentencing, and recommended that the sentence include participation in the Recovery While Incarcerated program, or RWI.
The remaining counts against Beem were dismissed at sentencing.
Beem was arrested during a traffic stop, along with Ryan Smith and Susan Risner. Smith’s sentencing hearing is scheduled to take place February 20th at 9am. Risner was sentenced in November 2025 to serve 17.5 years, with 5 years of the sentence to be served on probation.
