Assistant Crown attorney Lyndsay Jeanes told Bracebridge court that last fall Ontario Provincial Police were investigating cottage break-ins in the Bala area. Two cottages adjacent to each other each had been entered by breaking a rear window. The buildings were ransacked and electronic equipment, power tools, alcohol and cash were stolen, court heard.

In the course of their investigation, on Nov. 4, 2007, police went to a nearby residence shared by 20-year-old Misty Lee and her roommate. They questioned the two women and asked if they could have a look inside to rule them out as suspects.

Court heard that once inside officers noticed a telescope. At first, Lee said it had been a Christmas gift and then admitted it had been stolen. She said she did not want to “rat” on the thieves, two men who had visited and then left. Lee and her roommate were arrested.

At the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on March 25, Lee pleaded guilty to possessing stolen property.

Defence counsel Peter Ward said his client, who is unemployed and pregnant, admits she was aware the stolen items were in the residence, but chose to do nothing at the time. When confronted, she readily admitted to police the items were there. The roommate was not aware of the stolen goods.

“It was unfortunate Miss Lee was put in a difficult position and not initially truthful to police,” said Jeanes.

Justice John Evans sentenced Lee to a 12-month conditional discharge and stipulated she is to have no contact with the men who left the items at her home.

Charges against the roommate were dropped.