HANCOCK COUNTY — A Brownsburg teenager who tried to steal a cellphone after hijacking a sale she arranged online will not go to prison.
Lauren E. Mann, 19, was facing a Level 3 felony charge of robbery resulting in bodily injury. Instead, she pleaded guilty Tuesday to a Level 5 felony charge of robbery. She was handed a four-year sentence, all to be served on probation. Three of the four years will be served through the Hancock County Community Corrections work-release program.
Conviction on the more serious charge could have resulted in a prison sentence of at least three years.
Mann was originally booked into the Hancock County jail in late December of 2018 and has been held there on a $15,000 cash bond ever since.
Mann, who spoke in a whispered tone as she fought back tears when addressing Judge Scott Sirk in Hancock Circuit Court, admitted her guilt. She told the judge she wanted more for her life and for her family.
“I am very sorry,” Mann said.
“You’re very, very, very, very, very fortunate to receive this sentence,” the judge said, expressing hope that the teen can get her life on track.
Mann’s attorney, Scott Knierim, of Danville, reminded the judge that his client has been in jail for over six months and has had time to think about her actions.
“Let’s see if we can rehabilitate her and not see her back here in court again,” Knierim said.
Deputy prosecutor Kevin Kelly presented two victim impact letters to the judge. The judge also heard from the victim before making his decision to accept the plea agreement.
The victim told the court prior to coming to the plea and sentencing hearing that she was fearful knowing the defendant knew where she lived, but then said she felt better after watching the sentencing process unfold in court.
In August of 2018, Mann and the victim met at the victim’s house to complete Mann’s purchase of a cell phone. They had made the arrangements online. But Mann took the iPhone X and tried to drive away from the victim without paying, court documents said. The victim was injured after being dragged by the car for several feet.
The victim said Mann was acting strangely when she arrived to complete the sale. As Mann tried to pull away, the victim said she reached into the car to try and stop her from leaving. She ended up being dragged down the street about 40 feet. The victim suffered abrasions and other injuries, according to court documents.
Police soon stopped Mann’s vehicle. Mann had a friend in the car with her at the time of the incident, and he confirmed the victim’s story.
Mann also admitted to having a gun in her car that she wasn’t licensed to carry and was charged with a Class A misdemeanor. Mann will also have to pay any medical bills the victim has incurred as a result of the incident. A restitution hearing was set for September.
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A number of police departments have established “safe exchange zones” in their stations to help ensure people stay safe during transactions with strangers through online services.
The Greenfield, Fortville and Cumberland police departments all have established safe exchange zones at their stations that are monitored by security cameras 24/7. Local officials urge residents to make hand-offs in these safer areas.
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