Indiana: Gambling Addict to Prison

Gambling addiction leads to jail sentence for Dowagiac woman

September 14, 2012
LOU MUMFORD |South Bend Tribune

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Nelson (Photo provided)



CASSOPOLIS — A Dowagiac woman sentenced to probation and jail time last year for a counterfeiting offense appeared before Cass Circuit Court Judge Michael Dodge once again on Friday, this time in connection with her guilty plea to stealing money from an 87-year-old blind man.

Her crime was “horrible,’’ admitted Lynnece Nelson, whose only argument before she was sentenced for her latest offense was that she’s not the same person now that she was then.

The 48-year-old Nelson blamed her behavior on an “out of control’’ gambling problem she developed three years ago. Fortunately, she said she’s now receiving counseling and other treatment that has put her on a new path.

“I took money from my family and a man I’d known for years,’’ she said. “I can’t even see a lottery ticket. That’s a trigger for me.

“This is not me. This is a person I don’t want to be anymore.’’

In a scene seldom observed in his court, Dodge asked for extra time to reflect on her case before sentencing Nelson to two years of probation, with the first year to be served in the county jail.

She’ll receive credit for 150 days already served, however, and Dodge said he’d have no objection to work release after the first six months. The last three months can be served on tether, he said.

It was clear Dodge agreed with Dale Blunier, Nelson’s attorney, that Nelson has “changed a great deal’’ and is no longer in denial. The judge deviated downward from her sentencing guidelines, pointing out she’s been married to the same man for 26 years and has raised three children, taught Sunday school and had stable employment for 18 years.

Nelson said her gambling “started small’’ but she became so addicted that she ended up exploiting the blind man who had been a long-time friend.

Dodge said Nelson used the same computer she had used to counterfeit money to transfer $11,000 from his savings account to a checking account, and then used his identification to steal at least a portion of it.

Although Blunier argued she actually obtained just $3,000, Prosecutor Victor Fitz said he hadn’t been able to confirm with the bank the amount embezzled. Dodge said another hearing will be necessary to determine restitution.



http://articles.southbendtribune.com/2012-09-14/news/33850801_1_blind-man-dodge-lynnece-nelson