We covered the accident that occurred on December 16 and resulted in the death of 54 year old Stephanie K. Taylor. Once the victim was transported from the scene by EMS police, police performed a search of Martha Hale’s vehicle and located marijuana. Hale was taken into custody and lodged in the Dubois County Security Center on preliminary charges of OWI – Fatality, a level 4 felony, and OWI – Endangerment, a misdemeanor, in addition to a misdemeanor charge for possession of marijuana. Court records show an administrative event where, per the State’s request, the OWI Probable Cause Affidavit was filed in error. Chief Nathan Schmitt distributed a press release to explain. It reads:
“The Jasper Police Department wants to clarify the phrase “filed in error” in court documents for charges against Martha Hale.
The Jasper Police Department believes that charges were appropriate related to this incident, but the prosecutor’s office was not comfortable pursuing the OWI related charges due to defenses available to the defendant in these types of cases.
The Jasper Police Department respects the Dubois County Prosecutor’s Office for the decision to not file the OWI related charges on Ms. Hale. We understand that current legislation establishing a defense makes these types of cases very difficult to prove in court.
The Jasper Police Department would like to remind the public that Marijuana is still an illegal substance in the state of Indiana. Even though no charges for Operating While Intoxicated were filed in this incident, the Jasper Police Department is still going to enforce the laws of the State of Indiana to protect the citizens of the community.”
