Indianola woman back on probation after latest theft

McCOOK, Neb. -- An Indianola woman charged with felony theft less than two weeks after being released from probation in a previous theft case was ordered back on probation earlier this week. The offender, 38-year-old Bonnie L. Jenkins, pleaded not contest to a Class IV felony charge of theft by unlawful taking Monday in Red Willow County District Court. Jenkins was subsequently sentenced to 24 months probation and ordered to pay $760 in restitution to the Ag Valley Coop in Indianola.

Jenkins was charged in connection with cash she stole from the business on Feb. 3, 2014. She had just been released from probation in a 2012 misdemeanor theft case on Jan. 23, 2014, which stemmed from more than $250 she stole from deposit bags at the McCook Gazette.

Jenkins was sentenced in the misdemeanor theft to 12 months probation, in addition to 30 days in jail, during a March 2012 sentencing in Red Willow County Court.

The jail sentence could be waived by the court at the request of her probation officer and despite Jenkins failure to pay any restitution or court costs, her probation officer filed requests to waive her jail time in May 2012 and again in August 2012. Both applications stated she was in "compliance with terms and conditions of probation and request jail waived," according to court documents.

Jenkins jail time was waived by the court following each request.

Seven months after the final request to waive jail time, Jenkins' probation officer filed a request in March 2013 to extend her probation another six months to allow her more time to "pay restitution."

The six month extension was granted and followed by a complaint from her probation officer filed in September 2013 alleging probation violations. The violations stated she had made no payments towards her court fines, costs or restitution during the entire 18 month probation sentence.

Jenkins failed to appear for a hearing to face the probation violations in October 2013 before admitting to the probation violations during a Jan. 7, 2014, hearing. A bond she had posted was subsequently converted and applied to her outstanding fines and court fees before her probation in the misdemeanor theft case was subsequently "terminated satisfactorily."