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Work release walk-off lands woman in prison

A Warren woman was sentenced to state prison Friday on an escape charge after walking away from a work release program.

Sierra L. Tannler, 30, was sentenced to nine months to two years incarceration in state prison, $375 in fees, to undergo drug and alcohol and mental health evaluations and comply with recommendations and submission of a DNA sample.

Tannler was charged with felony escape back in January when, according to the county Sheriff’s Office, she walked off a work release program. She was found nearly two weeks later in Pittsfield Township, east of Wrightsville, at a rural camp on Bull Hill Road after a medical emergency was called in from a place that had been on a list of possible locations for her.

Her attorney, Assistant Public Defender Francis Waweru, said that his client takes responsibility in this case sand “does admit she broke the court’s trust” and “clearly recognizes she has a problem” with drugs and alcohol.

Tannler told the court that she realizes she made a huge mistake that would follow her for life, impacting career options.

She said she’s never gone through treatment before and that she would show the court and her family she is capable of change.

Judge Gregory Hammond said that county services clearly haven’t helped her in her rehabilitation.

But he encouraged her with what’s ahead.

“There’s always a way back,” Hammond said. “You’re not going to be in prison forever.

“There will be opportunities for you moving forward. (It will be) up to you.”

Hammond ordered that Tannler is boot camp and state drug treatment program eligible.

Other defendants sentenced included:

¯ Brandy V. Burton, 37, Warren, to 90 days probation, $375 in fees, a no contact/no trespass order, 10 hours of community service and to undergo drug and alcohol and mental health evaluations and comply with recommendations on a count of harassment.

¯ Coreren E. Nulph, 45, Warren, to 90 days probation $375 in fees, 10 hours of community service and a no trespass order at Walmart on a count of retail theft as well as 90 days probation and 10 hours of community service on a second count of retail theft.

¯ Cinnamon Swanson, 51, Jamestown, NY, to one year probation, $613.44 in restitution to Walmart, $375 in fees, 10 hours of community service, submission of a DNA sample and a no trespass order at Walmart on a count of retail theft.

Starting at $3.50/week.

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