SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) - The case of the former director of the Sheboygan County Humane Society has been concluded. In a surprise development in Sheboygan County Court Monday morning DA Joe DeCecco announced a plea agreement had been reached with 59 year old Eilene Ribbens who had been charged with obtaining prescription drugs by fraud and ordering a large amount of animal medication which she had given to relatives. DeCecco said in the interest of the community and the Humane Society he recommended a fine of two hundred dollars and costs on the first count. On the felony count, he recommended a two-year deferred conviction in which Ribbens waived her right to a trial, will have no contact with the Humane Society Shelter or its employees, and makes a $2000 donation to the shelter. Ribbens lawyer said she had suffered greatly through the ordeal, losing her income and being subjected to threats and stalking. He said, “These people out here are crazy." Ribbens told the court she wants to get on with her life in peace without threats and phone calls in the middle of the night. Judge L. Edward Stengel said he accepted the agreement with grave reservation. He said he would not order the $2000 contribution to the Humane Society, calling it payment for not being prosecuted. He said she could make the donation on her own, but he would not order it. He also scolded a full courtroom of onlookers saying that if people devoted as much energy to significant issues as they have to this one, a lot of good could be done in the community.
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