A Streator woman pleaded guilty Friday to her role in a burglary rash that led to a police chase and was sentenced to four years of reporting probation.
Nancy M. Newell, 51, entered guilty pleas to burglary and felony retail theft. She could have faced up to seven years in prison, but she had cut a deal with prosecutors by agreeing to testify against cohort Leroy Persinger, 29, who last month pleaded guilty to multiple offenses and took eight years in prison.
In exchange for her plea, prosecutors agreed to 48 months of probation on the burglary conviction and 30 months of probation on the retail theft conviction, plus time served. The twin reporting periods will run concurrently. Additionally, Newell must have a drug and alcohol evaluation and submit to periodic testing.
Newell declined an opportunity to address Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr. before sentencing.
Newell and Persinger were arrested Sept. 28 after a sheriff’s deputy stopped Persinger for speeding on North 17th Road, just north of Streator. The Chevrolet truck turned out to have been stolen, and police, after learning Persinger was wanted for allegedly trying to steal from a car wash, tried to place him under arrest. Persinger allegedly resisted, and he and Newell allegedly fled on foot. They were apprehended.
Newell and Persinger were caught on surveillance footage trying to pawn tools stolen from an earlier break-in. Additionally, she was charged for shoplifting at a Walmart.