A 32-year-old P.E.I. woman who went on a crime spree spanning several months has been sentenced to nine months in jail.
Crystal Marie McTague of Ten Mile House was given credit of three months for time already served, leaving her with half a year to spend in custody.
She will be placed on probation for 18 months following her release. She was ordered to provide a DNA sample and must also pay a $100 victim surcharge.
McTague’s recent criminal run (she has a prior record), according to agreed statement of facts, started on Aug. 14, 2019, when she broke into Picard’s Machinery building on University Avenue in Charlottetown.
Security footage captured McTague and a man entering the premise before scouring for various items.
On Oct. 28, while being picked up on a warrant, she was found to be in possession of break-in tools – a set of lock picks on a key chain – in her coat pocket.
On Nov. 7, she was charged with breaking into a storage trailer behind Christmas Discounters in Charlottetown.
Again, security footage records her in the act. She is seen on video carrying one large box from the trailer followed by a second box at approximately 5 a.m.
The recovered boxes contained eight wall clocks valued at $16.99 each and 12 bamboo-style sheets valued at $24.99 each.
In December, McTague failed to comply with the condition of an undertaking calling for her to reside with her sister, who reported to police McTague was hanging around drug houses in Charlottetown.
McTague was caught on video tape once again on Dec. 6, along with a second culprit, stealing from Canadian Tire in Charlottetown.
Items taken included several airsoft guns, a number of knives, a security safe and Uniden 2-way radios. The total value of the items stolen is $1,257.36. McTague has been ordered to pay restitution to Canadian Tire for half that amount, the remainder to be paid by her partner in crime.
On Jan. 15, McTague entered Island Beach Co. in Charlottetown, placed a pair of sweat pants in a reusable bag and left the store without making any attempt to pay.
McTague was sentenced on all the crimes on March 17 in provincial court.
