A woman living at the Economy Inn in Plymouth during 2014 was sentenced to 25 years in prison in Marshall County Superior Court this week.
37-year-old Donna Benton’s last known address was Columbus, Indiana. Officers from the community contacted Plymouth Police officers in July of last year to disclose they were working a child molestation case. One of the incidents allegedly occurred at the motel in Marshall County in September of 2014.
Interviews conducted between Benton and Plymouth investigators allegedly led to her admission the acts took place. A press release from the Marshall County Prosecutor’s office indicates that Benton allegedly performed sexual acts on her 7-year-old daughter.
A plea agreement was offered. Benton admitted guilt to a Level One Felony Count of Child Molesting in exchange for a reduced sentence. She was facing up to 40 years.
Deputy prosecutors argued that because the defendant was in a position of trust over the child, it was cause for a maximum sentence to be applied in the case.
No part of the 25 years sentence was suspended. Benton received good time credit for the offense. She is expected to serve more than 18 years in the Indiana Department of Corrections.
The Marshall County Prosecutor’s office says it is unclear if the Columbus Police Department will seek additional charges in the case.
