Jail Sentences for a Big Theft in Lewiston

A 64‑year‑old accountant from Lewiston was found guilty of stealing nearly half a million dollars from an RV dealership. She had originally hoped to avoid prison by pleading guilty and accepting a plea deal that would have let her stay out of jail. The judge, however, felt the crime was too serious to overlook. The court accepted most parts of her agreement: she would pay $233, 522 back to the company and serve seven years on probation. But the judge insisted that some jail time be part of her sentence, saying a small penalty was not enough for such a large theft. He argued that the state’s recommended amount of restitution did not justify letting her go free.Her lawyer claimed everyone involved—she, the judge, and the victims—had agreed to no jail time. The judge countered with examples from federal cases where people who stole similar sums received several years behind bars. He also noted a past case where someone who stole just over $100, 000 was sent to jail for 30 days. In the end, the judge imposed a short but firm punishment: she will spend 45 days in jail, plus an additional 30 days that the judge can choose to enforce as part of her probation. This decision shows that even a short sentence can serve as a warning for serious financial crimes.