A Whiteland woman was sentenced to five years in prison after an accidental text message sparked an undercover drug investigation.
Shelby R. Eicks, 21, pleaded guilty to dealing methamphetamine and dealing a controlled substance after an investigation in 2016.
The investigation began after Eicks sent a text message to a Whiteland police officer about methamphetamine. Investigators suspected the message was meant for someone else and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation. Undercover detectives continued texting with Eicks and set up two undercover drug deals to buy methamphetamine and pain pills.
Eicks was charged with two felony drug dealing counts and could have faced up to 30 years in prison, Prosecutor Brad Cooper said.
She was sentenced to five years in prison and five years on probation.
As part of the sentence, Eicks was also sent into the Indiana Department of Correction Purposeful Incarceration program, Cooper said.
The therapeutic program is meant for offenders with substance abuse issues, and can qualify them for a reduction in their sentence if they meet the requirements of the program, according to the department of correction.
The program allows inmates to get the help they need, said Mike Kyle, Eicks’ attorney.
Eicks admitted to her crimes and takes full responsibility, he said.
She is a smart and hard-working woman, he said, and he believes she will do well in the purposeful incarceration program.
