A Dayton mother, who faces the possibility of prison in a shoplifting spree, was nearly taken into custody on Tuesday after she missed several appointments to conduct a pre-sentence investigation.
Lea Elizabeth Bacon-McCauley, 47, was arrested on Aug. 28 for shoplifting at the Clear Creek Plaza Walmart.
Security officers said she and her three children were shopping at the store and removing tags from items amounting to $469.58.
She was detained and reportedly told deputies she planned to bring the items back to the store and use the money to buy school supplies for the children.
She pleaded guilty to grand larceny on Oct. 12 and was ordered to return for sentencing on Tuesday.
After arriving late to court, Gamble said Bacon-McCauley missed five appointments with Parole and Probation in Fallon to do the investigation.
"You've missed every single event," he said. "You could go to prison because you didn't bother to tell anyone about yourself."
He ordered the bailiffs to take her into custody, but stopped short after she pleaded with him to give her another chance.
He ordered her to make an 8 a.m. appointment in Carson City or he would issue a warrant for her arrest. Bacon-McCauley's sentencing was set for Dec. 14.
