Two Plymouth residents admitted in court Friday to taking thousands of dollars out of someone else’s bank account without permission. But the charges could still be dropped, if they pay restitution and complete community service.
Kevin Bridgman and Laura Mann each pleaded guilty to one count of theft as a Level 6 Felony, according to Marshall County Prosecutor Nelson Chipman. The charges stemmed from payments made from a Key Bank account beginning in 2014. In a press release, Chipman explained that Bridgman and Mann will be allowed to take part in Marshall County’s Felony Pretrial Diversion Program, which is designed to provide another chance for people with no criminal background.
Under the program, the conviction judgment isn’t entered and a sentence isn’t imposed for 12 months after the agreement is made. If, during that time, the person follows all the conditions of an “individualized plan of action,” the person may withdraw the guilty plea, the prosecutor will move to dismiss the case, and a felony conviction won’t go onto their criminal record.
Chipman says Mann’s agreement requires her to maintain employment, complete 60 hours of community service, and pay more than $2,700 in restitution, along with other fees and court costs. The terms of Bridgman’s agreement are similar, but he’ll have to pay $10,000 in restitution and complete just 40 hours of community service. However, if they violate the terms, they may be sentenced to up to two-and-a-half years of incarceration.
Chipman notes that he just established Marshall County’s Felony Pretrial Diversion Program back in October, and the county is only one of six in Indiana to offer it. He says he’s satisfied that justice has been served, since Bridgman and Mann both publicly admitted their guilt under oath and will have to pay restitution.
