Three arrests, a marijuana development seized and a child taken from a Starke County home on Monday.

Shortly after 10 a.m. Starke County deputies responded to a home in the 6700 S. block of Lombardy Lane in the Bass Lake area. Deputies were requested to respond to assist the Indiana Department of Child Services with an investigation.

According to a social media post by the Starke County Sheriff Jack Roas when deputies and DCS workers entered the residence, a marijuana growing operation was located inside the home. DCS immediately removed a small child from the residence.

Individuals at the residence included the homeowner, Nicole Whitfield, 30, of Knox as well as a female identified as Jenifer Zuniga, 38, of Knox and a man identified as Joseph Givens, 37, of Knox. All individuals were detained at that time.

During a detailed search of the residence, 46 marijuana plants were located in various stages of growth. Additionally, other narcotic drugs and drug paraphernalia were located.

Preliminary charges include:

Whitfield is being held on Maintaining a Common Nuisance a level 6 felony and Possession of Marijuana an A Misdemeanor.

Givensis being held on Possession of Marijuana and Visiting a Common Nuisance, both of which are misdemeanors.

Zuniga is being held on Possession of Methamphetamine a level 6 felony, Maintaining a Common Nuisance a level 6 felony and Possession of Marijuana an A Misdemeanor.