Evaluation sought in CWC theft

SANDPOINT — Sentencing is being delayed for a Bonner County woman who pleaded guilty to embezzling from Coldwater Creek so she can undergo a mental health evaluation

Susan Alene Hopkins was to be sentenced Monday on one count of grand theft, but Chief Public Defender Isabella Robertson moved to continue the hearing so the evaluation can be done.

Hopkins’ sentencing has been reset for March 20 in 1st District Court.

Robertson requested the evaluation after reviewing the results of a presentence report, a dossier of a defendant used by judges to determine an appropriate sentence.

The contents of presentence reports are confidential and Robertson does not divulge what in the document prompted her to request the evaluation. Her motion states only that the document contained information that the defense was previously unaware of.

Counsel for a defendant can request the examination if there is reason to believe that their mental condition will be a significant factor at sentencing.

Only the defense, state and court are privy to the results of the evaluation.

Hopkins, 54, was charged with two counts of grand theft for allegedly embezzling from the accessories and apparel retailer and the Panhandle Alliance For Education, a charity that draws strong support from Coldwater Creek.

Hopkins, according to the state, used a corporate credit account to rack up more than $260,000 in personal expenses from 2006 to 2010. She embezzled from PAFE from 2008 to 2010, prosecutors allege.

Hopkins, also known as Susan Scott, was accused of committing the misconduct while she served as an executive assistant to Georgia Shonk-Simmons, the company’s former chief merchandising officer. Shonk-Simmons announced her retirement in 2010.

Hopkins entered into a plea agreement late last year that jettisoned one of the counts in exchange for an admission of guilt on the other. The agreement requires Hopkins to pay $251,943 in restitution within a 10-year time span.

Hopkins faces up to 14 years in prison, although the plea agreement recommends 90 days in jail and a suspended prison term. The defense is free to recommend a lesser sentence.

Neither the state nor defense sentence recommendations are binding upon the court.