Traffic stop leads to felony arrest in Miami County

MIAMI CO. – On November 16, 2024, around 9:41 p.m., Trooper Powers conducted a traffic stop on a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee near State Road 16 and Union City Road in Denver, Indiana, for a traffic violation. Trooper Powers identified the driver as Jennifer Lee Oblinger, 28, of South Bend, IN, and the passenger as Ashley Nicole Beatty, 28, Mishawaka, IN.

While speaking with Oblinger, Trooper Powers noticed indicators that criminal activity might be afoot and requested assistance. ISP K9 Trooper Andrew Baldwin and his K9 partner, Mack, arrived on the scene. Trooper Baldwin utilized his K9 to conduct an open-air sniff, which indicated the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle.

A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in officers locating suspected methamphetamine, syringes, and a controlled substance. Further investigation revealed Beatty had an active felony warrant out of Elkhart County.

The suspected methamphetamine and controlled substance will be sent to the Indiana State Police Laboratory for an exact determination of the substance.

Oblinger and Beatty were arrested and taken to the Miami County Jail. 

Arrested and Preliminary Charges:
Jennifer Lee Oblinger, 28, of South Bend, IN

  1. Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony
  2. Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe, Level 6 Felony
  3. Possession of a Controlled Substance, A Misdemeanor
  4. Operating Without Ever Receiving a License, A Misdemeanor

Ashley Nicole Beatty, 28, Mishawaka, IN

  1. Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony
  2. Possession of a Syringe, Level 6 Felony
  3. False Informing, A Misdemeanor
  4. Elkhart County Warrant

Trooper Powers was assisted by other members of the Indiana State Police Peru Post and the Miami County Sheriff’s Office. 

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.