MASON CITY – A Mason City woman who was charged with unauthorized use of a credit card and identity theft but essentially beat both charges is now in jail, charged with violating her probation.
Moriah Renae Villarreal, 24, was arrested Thursday afternoon at her North End home by Cerro Gordo County Deputies on a charge of violating terms of probation she received in April of 2013 for felony D identity theft. Judge Annette Boehlje had thrown out a charge of unauthorized use of a credit card, and Villarreal had taken a plea deal on the identity theft charge. Boehlje had imposed, however, $1,914.65 in court costs and restitution. A $750.00 penalty was dismissed as well.
Villarreal was placed on a payment plan of $50.00 per month on June 14th, 2013, but never made a payment toward the outstanding balance of $1,914.65.
An arrest warrant was issued October 29th.
Villarreal is now being held in the Cerro Gordo County Jail on $5,000 bond. She faces a probation revocation hearing on November 27th.
They should do more of this. It is unbelievable how many are out there driving without a license because they have not paid their fines..
Whoever wrote this article should take a law class so the charges and results can be report accurately. You don’t “essentially beat” charges. You are either guilty or not guilty or charges can be reduced or dismissed pursuant to any plea agreement. Was the $750 a fine or a civil penalty; either can be suspended but not dismissed. I read the Code of Iowa once in a while and review Iowa Courts On-line; the sentences easily understandable.
Sounds like a lot of gray area you describe. Looks like this gal coulda had the book thrown at her… but the judge allowed a deal… essentially letting her off real, real easy… or as NIT said, she essentially beat the charges. lol. Nichole tries really hard to sound like Gloria Allred… but she’s more like Jackee Aurthor. haha.
I would rather be Sandra Day O’Connor. She could understand the US Constitution and the law.
EXCUSE ME?? You hypocrite…YOU don’t even understand the Constitution or law. I well remember your 2nd Ammendment rants. You have NO room to speak of understanding either…..
@nichole- Before judging the language used, consider it as an idiom. The connotation of “beating a charge” in the legal sense of today means someone who is obviously guilty, but for some reason(s), is found innocent. It has nothing to do with justice, just a legal loophole which inept judges use to make their job easier. Welcome to the real world.
Good! They need to arrest all the ones who aren’t paying and either garnish wages, welfare, or throw them in jail to make license plates.