Eating at pancake restaurant leads to prison sentence | News

The first of three people accused of using debit cards from a fanny pack stolen from Love's Travel Stop in Ellensburg has been sentenced to five days in jail.

Megan Kristin Brown, 35, pleaded guilty to second-degree identity theft in Kittitas County Superior Court on Friday after reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Brown admitted to using a stranger's debit card to spend $81.18 at the IHOP in Ellensburg on January 13.

Judge L. Candace Hooper said the Class C felony carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, but added that Brown faces a standard sentence of up to 90 days in jail.

Assistant District Attorney Patricia Todd asked for a five-day jail sentence.

“This is based on Ms. Brown's lack of criminal history and her desire to take immediate responsibility,” Todd said.

“Ms Brown is clear that this is not acceptable. You cannot take a person's credit card, charge money and then not hold yourself accountable,” she added.

Defense attorney Richard Bueschel said Brown was ready to begin her sentence immediately.

Before Hooper announced the sentence, the judge questioned Brown at length about the reasons for the crime.

“In what situation could you do that?” asked Hooper.

“Probably on drugs,” Brown replied.

“How will you respond to this?” the judge continued.

Brown said she sought help.

“Well, it’s a pretty lenient sentence,” Hooper said.

Hooper pointed to her lack of criminal record and her age and told the defendant that she was faced with an important decision.

“You've managed to get this far. But with a drug problem, I wouldn't be surprised if it continues and gets worse – unless you deal with the drug problem. Do you understand that?” Hooper asked.

Brown confirmed this.

Hooper said her lawyer and the prosecutor probably had “good reason to give you a very lenient sentence.” She imposed no fines but ordered the defendant to pay restitution.

Brown, along with another man and woman, were originally charged with trafficking in stolen goods and theft after a woman told police her fanny pack had been stolen at Love's truck stop on Highway 97.

The woman said she left her fanny pack at Subway at Love's. When she asked employees if anyone had dropped it off, she was told no. The woman told Ellensburg police her wallet was in the fanny pack and she has since discovered that three debit cards had been used.

Fraudulent charges totaled $444.86 at Safeway, $7.89 at Circle K, $17 at The Pilot, $35.72 at Smokable Plus, $81.18 at IHOP, and $52.52 at Dominos Pizza.

IHOP has video footage showing Brown using one of the stolen cards.

At other businesses, additional surveillance footage and receipts were seized that linked the other man and woman to the stolen cards.

During the hearing last week, Hooper pointed out that there were other defendants in the incident.

“They have not yet taken responsibility; their cases are still pending,” Todd said.

“Then they probably won’t get five days,” Hooper said.