A Stevens Point woman on probation for forging checks with a state lawmaker’s signature has been charged with stealing more than $11,000 worth of jewelry.
Lisa Brabazon appeared in court this week on a felony theft charge. If she is convicted, Brabazon faces up to 10 years in prison, although prosecutors have added a habitual criminal enhancer that could add another four years to the sentence.
The 36-year-old Brabazon is in the Portage County jail on a probation hold and a $1,000 cash bond. A judge will decide June 13th whether she should stand trial.
According to the criminal complaint, Brabazon admitted stealing three gold rings and a gold chain worth $11,000 from her ex-boyfriend’s mother and pawning them at Pawn America. Brabazon had been living with the woman and her son since February. She confessed when the woman discovered the jewelry missing on May 24th and confronted her. Brabazon also confessed to a police detective the next day.
She said she was unemployed and sold the jewelry for money to deal with financial problems. Brabazon said she stole the first item in March and the thefts continued until May.
A Marathon County judge sentenced Brabazon to three years probation in December for stealing $3,000 from state Representative Scott Suder in 2007. The Abbotsford Republican denied giving Brabazon permission to write the checks while the two dated.
AUDIO: Matt Lehman reports (:30)
