Dillard Arrested for Neglect of a Dependent

Melissa Dillard

A woman who was found unresponsive with breathing difficulties in a death investigation in Plymouth has been arrested on a felony charge.

Plymouth Police Department officers arrested 38-year-old Melissa A. Dillard on Monday on a preliminary charge of neglect of a dependent. Police say Dillard was found unresponsive alongside her deceased husband, Joseph Dillard, at their Laporte Street home. A 13-year-old found them and called 911, according to police. The report indicates that two other children were at the residence when the incident occurred on Saturday, Jan. 27.

According to the report, evidence found at the scene was consistent with the consumption of drugs.

Dillard is being held in the Marshall County Jail with a $3,000 cash bond. Her initial hearing is set for Tuesday, Feb. 13.  The investigation into the death of Joseph Dillard is ongoing.