January 19, 2014
01/20/14 On Thursday, January 16th at 10:47 A.M. Plymouth Police Officer Derek Workman responded a residence at 308 East Jefferson Street to assist the Division of Child Services. Upon arriving the employee from the Department of Child Services said she had reliable information that a child they were looking for was in the Jefferson Street residence.
Officer Workman made contact with a female in the residence who stated the child was not there. While talking to the female Officer Workman observed 46 year old Donald E. Steffen Jr of South Bend attempt to conceal some paraphernalia. When questioned about the paraphernalia Mr. Steffen admitted that it was his and also stated he had some methamphetamine in his pocket. He was taken into custody for Possession of Methamphetamine within 1000 Feet of a Park.
While Officer Workman was speaking with Mr. Steffen the DCS caseworker heard a child crying in an adjacent room. The child was located and taken to a safer environment by the Division of Child Services.
Mr. Steffen was transported and lodged at the Marshall County Jail where he was held on no bond.
Readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is a mere allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.