MARIETTA - A tearful apology from defendant Ruthie D. Scoggans during Friday's sentencing was not enough to keep her from returning to prison.
Scoggans, 25, of 330 Franklin St., Marietta, pleaded guilty on Aug. 7 to two fifth-degree felony counts of theft. The first stemmed from the Dec. 4 theft of a 46-inch flat screen television from the Marietta Wal-Mart that was never recovered. The second incident resulted from Scoggans not paying her bail bondsman.
"I want to apologize. I take full responsibility for what I did," Scoggans said quietly through hushed sobs.
Scoggans was sentenced to nine months in prison on each fifth-degree felony charge.
During Friday's sentencing, Washington County Common Pleas Court Judge Susan Boyer read through a lengthy list of Scoggans' prior convictions, including passing bad checks, disorderly conduct, no operator's license, driving under suspension, criminal damaging, contempt of fines, driving without the consent of the owner, and possession of drugs.
Scoggans also is charged with an additional four thefts and an attempted escape for which she has not yet been found guilty. The thefts, occurring May 2, 18, 21, and June 4, and the escape on June 4 all occurred while Scoggans was on bond, officials said.
Scoggans blamed her actions on drug dependency and said she hopes to get help.
"I was completely under the influence when I made these decisions," she said.
"I want to make sure I become a better person so I can live a normal life," Scoggans said.
Scoggans' prior felony record and bond violation made her ineligible for community control sanctions, said Boyer.
"Prison is consistent with the purpose and principles of sentencing and the offender is not amenable to any community control sanctions," said Boyer.
Scoggans will serve the ninth-month sentences concurrently at the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville.
