Three arrested in Starke County marijuana growing operation, child taken from home

STARKE COUNTY, Ind. - Three people were arrested and a child was taken from a home after deputies discovered a marijuana growing operation inside the home, according to the Starke County Sheriff's Office.

At 10:07 a.m. on Monday, deputies were called to a residence in the 6700 S. block of Lombardy Lane at the request of the Indiana Department of Child Services, who were conducting an investigation at the home.

Deputies and DCS workers discovered a marijuana growing operation inside the home, finding 46 marijuana plants in various stages of growth, according to reports.

Investigators also located other narcotic drugs and drug paraphernalia at the residence.

DCS workers immediately removed a small child from the home.

The homeowner, identified as 30-year-old Nichole Whitfield of Knox, and two others were arrested at the home.

Whitfield was arrested on the charges of felony maintaining a common nuisance and misdemeanor possession of marijuana.

Jenifer Zuniga, 38, of Knox, was arrested on the charges of felony possession of methamphetamine, felony maintaining a common nuisance and misdemeanor possession of marijuana.

Joseph Givens, 37, of Knox, was arrested on the charges of misdemeanor possession of marijuana and misdemeanor visiting a common nuisance.