Jennings County Library incident leads to drug-related arrest

An investigation into possible trespassing at the Jennings County Public Library led to the arrest of a North Vernon woman on drug-related charges.

According to the North Vernon Police Department, officers were called to the library on Thursday on reports that a woman who had previously been thrown out of the library had returned. Police talked to the woman, 42-year-old Michelle L. Helmling, and determined that she had not formally received a trespass ban from the library. Officers did issue the trespass warning and Helmling consented to a search of her belongings, police say.

During the search, officers uncovered marijuana, drug paraphernalia and prescription medication that belonged to someone else.

She was arrested on preliminary charges for possessing the drugs and paraphernalia.

Chief Keith Messer said the case shows the department is committed to “maintaining safe public spaces while holding individuals accountable for illegal activity.”