The prosecution of a woman caught shoplifting by an Anna Maria merchant was deferred until Sept. 30 under a pre-trial intervention program.
Emily Kello, 48, of Indianapolis, was arrested in May by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for petit theft after Bella-By-the-Sea boutique owner Joann Lefner stopped her outside the store at 218 Pine Ave., where Kello had a $20 candle that had not been purchased.
Kello signed a deferred prosecution agreement July 2 with the Manatee County Probation Office and 12th Judicial Circuit State Attorney, swearing to have no prior criminal record, waiving her right to a speedy trial and promising to obey an intervention officer.
Under the agreement, Kello is allowed to remain at liberty so long as she violates no law.
The agreement also requires payment of $165 in supervision costs, $200 in lieu of community service, $100 to the MCSO and $50 to the state.
If Kello successfully completes the 90-day deferment program, the theft charge will be dismissed with prejudice.