Versailles, IN—An accused meth dealer chose to admit in the middle of her jury trial on Wednesday, December 18th. Defendant, Tosha Richardson, 39, of Sunman, pleaded guilty to Dealing in Methamphetamine, a Level 4 Felony. She was immediately remanded to the Ripley County Jail to await sentencing. She faces up to 12 years in prison.
Richardson’s charges stemmed from an Indiana State Police investigation in October 2018. During that investigation, ISP troopers located over 4 grams of methamphetamine, a glass-smoking pipe, multiple plastic baggies, and a digital scale.
The lead investigator testified that the seized evidence demonstrated an intent to distribute methamphetamine. Richardson admitted that she had purchased the meth from Cincinnati and gave it to at least 3 friends other than herself. Richardson also admitted to troopers during the investigation that she used the digital scale to weigh methamphetamine.
The trooper also testified that methamphetamine is commonly dealt with in a manner similar to the evidence discovered. Firearms were discovered at the residence, but May testified that Richardson’s boyfriend claimed ownership of those. Police discovered in Richardson’s purse a small number of prescription pills and a small amount of marijuana. As evidence was unclear that Richardson ever possessed a firearm along with methamphetamine, prosecutors agreed to drop Richardson’s charge regarding firearm possession. Richardson’s boyfriend also claimed ownership of a jar of marijuana, consistent with personal use.
Richardson pleaded guilty at her trial after hearing the evidence from just one of the State’s three witnesses. Prosecutors were going to call 2 more witnesses including a lab analyst and another officer to testify, but Richardson’s admission made that unnecessary.
