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Tidioute woman’s request for bail reduction heard

A Tidioute woman who faces drug charges could potentially have her bail reduced as a result of a Friday proceeding.

Marie Lynn Ecker, 37, Tidioute, was charged in December with two counts each of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, criminal use of a communications facility and possession of a controlled substance.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, investigators with the Warren County Drug Task Force arranged to purchase one gram of meth from Ecker, who was staying with a Warren man at a N. Irvine St. residence. The man ultimately sold the methamphetamine on that date.

Ecker is also alleged to have sold three oxycodone pills at an East St. residence.

Ecker’s attorney, Elizabeth Feronti, told Judge Hammond on Friday that Ecker is willing to participate with bail supervision and has been living in Tidioute for 12 years.

She added that Ecker has never not appeared for a court date and noted that Ecker finds $35,000 bail to be excessive.

Hammond asked if any drug treatment would be included in the bail conditions.

“I honestly do not know,” Feronti said, pointing out that Ecker got through the “first hurdle” of not using since she was incarcerated. Feronti acknowledged the presence of a drug problem and said that bail supervision would assist her via random drug testing, noting that if she tests positive she would go back to jail.

First Assistant District Attorney Caleb Gnage said that he was opposed to the request due to the felony charges she faces and echoed Hammond’s concern about drug treatment.

Hammond said the charges are significant and that the bail set originally was not unreasonable. Referencing her bail questionnaire, Hammond noted that Ecker said she went cold turkey.

Hammond then concluded that Ecker’s bail could be changed to unsecured, which would allow her release, if more formal drug and alcohol treatment is put in place.

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