COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – One of three women from a Hillsdale family who were arrested for allegedly shoplifting over $1,700 worth of items from a pair of Coldwater stores Thanksgiving night was sentenced Monday in Branch County Circuit Court.
31-year-old Shanda Michelle Lane entered a no contest plea to first degree retail fraud. She was placed on probation for 18 months and sentenced to nine months in jail. Lane was given credit for 108 days already served in the Branch County Jail and the rest of the sentenced was suspended by Judge Bill O’Grady.
In exchange for her plea, prosecutors dismissed three other charges that were filed in connection with the incident.
All of the suspects were facing charges which included 1st Degree Retail Fraud, Disorderly Conduct and Organized Retail Crime.
Court documents indicate three juvenile girls were with them at the time.
O’Grady scolded Lane during Monday’s hearing when he noted the family’s criminal past in Branch and Hillsdale Counties.
Authorities say $1,250 worth of items were allegedly taken from the Meijer store. The three suspects are also accused of allegedly taking almost $500 worth of items from Wal-Mart.
