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A North Webster woman charged in connection with the death of her 11-month-old daughter was released from the Kosciusko County Jail Tuesday after posting a $10,000 surety bond.
Kristina Crooks, 19, of 7280 E. Blacks Trailer Court, North Webster, was released after Kosciusko County Circuit Court Judge Rex Reed reduced her bond from the original $100,000 during a hearing in his court.
Surety bond means that Crooks was released from jail after posting 10 percent of the $10,000 bond with an insured bondsman.
Crooks was being held on preliminary charges of reckless homicide and neglect of a dependant. The charges stem from the Jan. 24 death of her daughter, Lois Marie Ozenbaugh.
The court order noted Crooks' 14-year residence in Kosciusko County, her relatives in the county, her pending employment and no previous record of not responding to court appearances all contributed to granting her request for a reduction of bond.
The court order also outlined four restrictions on Crooks while she is out on bail: She is required to remain at her parents' home except when she is working or traveling to employment; seeking employment approved by the court; undergoing medical, psychiatric, mental health treatment, counseling or other treatments; or consulting with her counsel for the preparation of her defense.
She is scheduled to appear in court at 10:30 a.m. Thursday for a hearing regarding a request by the defense for a change of venue in the case.
