Valley Woman Pleads Guilty To Meth Charge

A Spokane Valley woman whose husband cooked methamphetamine in the garage next to their home child-care business has pleaded guilty to a felony drug charge.

Karen Acre entered the plea in Superior Court on Tuesday, the day after her trial began.

Acre faced one count of possession of methamphetamine stemming from a raid on the Jack and Jill Day Care on North Adams Road last December.

Visiting Whitman County Judge Wallis Friel sentenced her to 30 days in jail and one year of community supervision.

The standard sentencing range is zero to 60 days, Deputy Prosecutor Sarah Beemer said.

Two months ago, Acre’s husband pleaded guilty to running the methamphetamine lab. Ronald Acre, 42, who faces up to two years in prison, is awaiting sentencing.

They were arrested after authorities raided the home-based business Dec. 21.

Undercover detectives, who had purchased drugs at the house before, found Ronald Acre asleep inside with two loaded handguns, a knife and brass knuckles within reach.

Five children between the ages of 2 and 6 also were present at the time of the raid. They were being cared for by the Acres’ teenage daughter and a friend. None of the children was hurt in the raid.

Karen Acre wasn’t home at the time of the raid and was arrested later.

The state has since closed down the business, which operated for six years.

, DataTimes