Woman gets jail for taking credit card

A Bonners Ferry woman accused of stealing a bank card from the counter at Zip Trip was sentenced to six months in prison Tuesday.

Jeanine Cofer, 32,  received a 18 month to 4-year prison term but will be given the chance to serve 180 days retained jurisdiction and receive counseling. 

Retained jurisdiction is a 6-month prison program that provides counseling and programs designed to help the person gain skills to make better decisions.

Cofer pled guilty to forgery of a bank card belonging to Aram McDowell.

On March 9, Cofer signed McDowell’s name to a transaction made at Zip Trip.

Cofer told Judge Patrick Luster that she hoped for local jail time so she didn’t have to be far from her two-year-old daughter.

“I have a two-year-old and I don’t think I deserve prison,” said Cofer.  “I will miss my daughter if that happens, please give me local time so I can be close to her.”

Prosecutor Jack Douglas was concerned about statements made in a pre-sentence investigation by Cofer and thought a retained jurisdiction would be the best sentence for her to receive the type of counseling she needs to improve her behavior and relationship choices.

“I think a retained jurisdiction is appropriate as your conduct does need to be addressed,” Luster said.  “There are programs available through retained jurisdiction that you won’t have in county jail, this way you can earn your probation time and turn your life around.”

After Cofer completes the six months prison time she will go back before the judge to determine whether she is a good candidate for probation or whether she will go to prison for the suspended term.

Cofer was remanded to Boundary County Jail immediately following her sentence.