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County prosecutors may soon have a new tool in fighting drunk driving.
Kosciusko County Prosecutor David Kolbe announced that Judges Sutton and Jarrette have agreed to an ignition interlock system that would be placed on cars operated by people with probationary licenses.
Kolbe described the device that is placed around the steering mechanism in a car and requires a breath test before the car will start. If the test is .02 or above, the engine will not start.
Kolbe called the system "a good tool." He said the systems are very sophistocated and include random audible requirements to make the driver give a breath test while driving.
More than 25 counties in the state are using the ignition interlock system, Kolbe said. It will not take effect in Kosciusko County until some plea agreements in the system are finished.
"It is a valuable tool for those on a probationary license," Kolbe said. He explained that drivers with a prior conviction could plea to get a sentence of half the time with a suspended license and half on probationary license rather than having a whole suspended license. If on probation, the felon would get a tester for 150-180 days.
Kolbe also said he is preparing for the trial scheduled for Kristina Crooks. The five-day trial is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. Monday in Kosciusko County Circuit Court with Judge Rex Reed presiding.
Crooks is charged with reckless homicide with the allegation that she recklessly caused the death of a child. She is also charged with the neglect of a dependent causing serious bodily injury and eventually death. The third charge is the neglect of a dependent. This deals with the physical condition of the child when she was found besides what caused her death. Kolbe said the autopsy revealed severe bruises.
In other news at the press conference, Kolbe said the grand jury investigation concerning the deaths of two Cusick children has been postponed to mid February because of scheduling problems in the court.
"The grand jury is very thoughtful and very good," said Kolbe. "They will weigh it out carefully and make the decision. They are a litmus for the community and county."
Kolbe said he is looking ahead to the Prosecutor's Forum to be held in mid-February. He says the forum will look at what the prosecutor's office has accomplished this year and what they will focus on in the future.
When asked about his intentions to run again, Kolbe only said he would not allow the changes that have occurred during his administration to slip away. He said he will announce his decision soon.
