Meth makers get a lengthy vacation - compliments of County Deputy Prosecutor
By Debbie Lowe

Canen

Two individuals convicted of Class B felonies in Carroll County for making methamphetamine didn't quite make it to the courtroom on time for their sentencing hearing almost two weeks ago. But that didn't matter, because in the end justice prevailed and their fate has been meted out.

The pair, Kim C. Hitchcock and Jeffery P. Canen, both of Delphi, failed to appear for sentencing Sept. 22 in Carroll Circuit Court before Carroll Superior Court Judge Jeffery Smith.

Smith issued an arrest warrant and the pair was apprehended Sept. 23 in Orange County. They were transported to Carroll County and appeared in court last week to learn their fate.

The pair was arrested in February of 2005 when a n e i g h b o r reported a strong smell of ammonia in the neighborhood off of SR25. Deputy Mike Thomas of the Carroll County Sheriff's Department and Emergency Management Agency director Justin Darling responded to the call.

Carroll County Deputy Prosecutor Kristen McVey described the court appearance as having "very little fanfare."

McVey advised a B-felony bears a six-to-20 year sentencing range.

She said Canen was sentenced to 15 years with five suspended and 10 executed in the Indiana Department of Correction (DOC).

Hitchcock

Hitchcock was sentenced to 10 years with four suspended and will serve six years in the DOC.

"I think they were very appropriately sentenced," McVey said. "I hope their sentencing sends a message to all meth makers in the county that meth making has a stiff penalty and this community won't tolerate that activity."