Amanda Pinsent lied to police, and will serve a nine month conditional discharge as a result.
On Oct. 14, 2018, Bonnyville RCMP were called to a vacant residence where two males were seen inside with backpacks and flashlights.
A description of the vehicle, including the license plate, was provided to police, and they later located it at a local residence.
When officers knocked on the door, Pinsent answered and told officers the vehicle hadn't left the driveway.
Officers also asked if anyone else was home, and Pinsent continued to lie by telling them her boyfriend, who was a suspect, was out.
In the backyard, RCMP located a backpack with break-in instruments and a flashlight.
Before a warrant was granted, two males exited the house and surrendered.
"She interfered with a serious police investigation," stressed Crown prosecutor Tyler MacLean.
In the Bonnyville Provincial Courthouse on Tuesday, Feb. 19, Pinsent pled guilty to obstructing a police officer.
The 28-year-old Bonnyville resident said she was pregnant at the time of the incident, and was afraid that her boyfriend, who was a suspect, would be arrested.
Jana Fleming, acting duty counsel, said it was out of character for Pinsent to lie to police.
"That's not who she is. She's a law abiding citizen that made a mistake that day," she continued.
Pinsent admitted it was "a stupid mistake."
"I should never have done it. I should have told the truth."
Honourable Judge Kathleen Williams admitted it was an unusual sentence. Pinsent would plead guilty to the charge, however, once her nine-month conditional sentence order was finished, she would have no criminal record.
Part of her conditions are to keep the peace, be of good behaviour, complete 40 hours of community service, stay in Alberta, and have no contact with one of the suspects.
