A Carson City woman accused of stealing the purse of a wife of a Douglas County Sheriff's deputy was released on her own recognizance Monday when it was realized that she was being held on $25,000 bail.
Joreen Annette George, 33, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft as part of a plea negotiation with prosecutors. She faces up to eight years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Judge Michael Griffin chided law enforcement officers for the exorbitant bail amount, saying "Bail is set to ensure appearances, not as a punishment."
George had been behind bars awaiting her courtroom appearance for 31 days. "Apparently there had been communication between the counties," George's court-appointed lawyer Mike Roth said.
Sentencing is set for August 28.
Through the guilty plea, George admitted to two counts of fraudulently using someone else's credit card. The total charge was around $2,000.
When she was arrested on a Carson City warrant at her home in the 800 block of Paul Street in Gardnerville, she was reportedly in possession of stolen property. Cases may be pending in Reno.
