By BRUCE A. FASOL

In Franklin County court Thursday, 42-year-old Tiffanie Crabtree was sentenced to five years in prison for theft over $500.

Crabtree was convicted of taking the purse of a woman working at Days Inn Motel in West City. Earlier this year, Crabtree, according to the victim, came into the business to drop off a resume for employment. When the woman turned away to deliver the paper, Crabtree jumped the counter and took the purse of the victim. In that purse were electronics, money, credit cards and irreplaceable pictures. None of the items have ever been located.

Police started investigation of this case with a valuable clue: The resume that Crabtree dropped off before she stole the purse did indeed contain her correct address. She was arrested and charged with theft over $500. A $550 assessment was also made on Crabtree. That money is owed to the West Frankfort woman she robbed. However, the victim was told by the States Attorney’s office that she was one of several that Crabtree owed restitution to due to past convictions.