ESCANABA - Sentencing took place Friday for one of five suspects arrested in connection with area breaking-and-enterings and the illegal use of credit cards stolen from one of the break-ins.

Melissa Patten, 25, of 312 N. 19th St., Upper 2, Escanaba, was sentenced to six months in the county jail on two charges, each related to retaining a stolen credit card. Her sentencing took place in Delta County Circuit Court.

In September, Patten pleaded guilty to stealing/retaining a financial transaction device without the owner's consent - aiding and abetting, and pleaded guilty to attempted stealing/retaining a financial transaction device without the owner's consent- aiding and abetting.

Four other charges against Patten were dismissed by the prosecution in exchange for the two guilty pleas. The prosecution also agreed to not seek additional charges on information uncovered during the investigation.

In addition to the six months in jail, to be served concurrently on the two charges, Judge Stephen Davis sentenced Patten to 12 months probation. She was given credit for 57 days already served in jail. She was ordered to not have drugs or alcohol and would be subject to drug testing. She was also ordered not to have any contact with co-defendants.

Four co-defendants in the case, involved in the area break-ins from last spring, are John Larson, 28, Justin Nault, 21, Shannon Nault, 24, and Nathan Gartland, 23.

Justin Nault pleaded guilty Thursday to breaking and entering, attempted identity theft, and illegal use of a credit card. Gartland was sentenced last month to boot camp on two counts of breaking and entering and one count of attempted illegal use of a stolen credit card.

Shannon Nault and Larson do not have set court dates for either a plea or a trial in circuit court.

During her plea hearing in September, Patten said she knew others were involved in stealing credit cards which were later hidden in her home. She admitted to police that she knew the credit cards were stolen and were being used.

The five arrests were the result of a multi-jurisdictional investigation involving city, county and state police.

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Jenny Lancour, (906) 786-2021, ext. 143, jlancour@dailypress.net