Two Racine women and a Caledonia man are behind bars after Racine police say they contributed to a man’s heroin overdose that could have been fatal.
Sunshine Ketchum, 26, of Racine, was supposed to be in court Wednesday for her initial appearance to face six felony bail jumping charges; one felony count each of heroin possession, 1st degree recklessly endangering safety and possession of marijuana; and one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia. If convicted, she faces up to 60 years in prison and/or up to $125,000 in fines.
Ketchum’s initial appearance was postponed until Thursday because, online court records indicate, she was in the hospital.
Joshua Molnar, 36, of Caledonia, was charged with a single felony count of possession of narcotic drugs. If convicted, he faces up to 3-1/2 years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines.
Ashley Miller, 22, also of Racine, was charged Wednesday in Racine County Circuit Court with two felony counts of heroin possession; three felony counts of bail jumping; and one felony count of 1st degree recklessly endangering safety. If convicted, she faces up to 55-1/2 years in prison and/or up to $105,000 in fines.
According to their criminal complaints, Racine police and fire responded at 2:54 p.m. Monday to the to 1000 block of Park Avenue for a call of a possible heroin overdose. When officers and rescue arrived, they found a man – later identified as Molnar – who wasn’t breathing. They administered Narcan and revived Molnar then transported him to Wheaton Franciscan St. Mary’s for treatment.
Police say Molnar called Ketchum because he knew she could get heroin. He picked Ketchum up in his truck from her home and they drove to the 1100 block of Main Street to meet a woman – later identified as Miller – for the heroin. After buying $50 worth of drugs, Ketchum cooked the heroin and injected Molnar with it because he can’t do it himself. When he turned blue, she called 911 for help.
During questioning, Ketchum at first wouldn’t admit to any wrongdoing, but later told investigators the same story Molnar told police when they questioned him in the hospital. Ketchum agreed to arrange another buy, the complaint reads, and set up a deal for $60 with Miller.
Officers say Ketchum did buy heroin from Miller, and they took Miller into custody shortly after the transaction was completed.
All three defendants remain in the Racine County Jail. Miller was assigned a $3,500 cash bond during her initial appearance Wednesday and will next be in court June 25 for her preliminary hearing.
Molnar was given a $2,000 cash bond and has his preliminary hearing scheduled for June 18.
Ketchum’s initial appearance is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.