Dog stealer sentenced to public service
By Beth Kramer ekramer@stmedianetwork.com November 30, 2011 8:50PM
Betty Peltier
Updated: January 3, 2012 9:07AM
An Antioch woman admitted to stealing an autistic child’s therapy dog when she accepted a plea deal Wednesday.
Betty Peltier pleaded guilty to Class A misdemeanor theft, according to defense attorney Scott Gordon.
She was ordered to perform 100 hours of public service and received one year of supervision.
If she completes her supervision without any issues, the theft charge will not go on her record as a conviction, Gordon said.
Peltier could have spent up to one year in jail and paid a fine up to $2,500, the maximum penalty for Class A misdemeanors, Gordon said.
Peltier took 3-pound chihuahua “Peanut” from a Round Lake Beach family. The family did not notice that the dog ran out of the house while unloading groceries. Peanut was reported missing June 21.
The Pooch belonged to owner Monica Hidalgo, who offered a $1,000 reward for the dog’s return. Her son is autistic.
Peltier called Hidalgo several times inquiring about the reward, Hidalgo had said.
Round Lake Beach police arrested Peltier after she attempted to return the dog July 2.
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