California Mom Gets Probation

Susan LeFevre, 53, escaped from a Michigan prison 32 years ago with her grandfather’s help. After being “on the lam” for 32 years, LeFevre was arrested in the spring of 2008 living under an assumed name in California. She was living a “normal” life as a suburban wife and mother of three children. In September 2008, a Michigan judge sentenced her to two years of probation.

A Ten-Year Prison Sentence

LeFevre was 19 years old when she was arrested in Michigan on a heroin charge after a friend of hers tried to sell a small amount of heroin to an undercover officer. She pleaded guilty and was very surprised to be sentenced to 10 years in prison. In 1976, after serving 14 months in prison, she climbed a prison fence and escaped.

Time Served May Be Complete Punishment

Although Wayne County Circuit Judge David Groner stated that "The court finds no reason to give you extra time," LeFevre is not yet a free woman; her original 10-year sentence still stands. A chance for parole would come at 5-1/2 years of the term, unless her attorneys can get the sentence removed.

Hard to Be a Fugitive for So Long

LeFevre had been living under the assumed name “Marie Walsh” in the San Diego neighborhood known as Carmel Valley. She pleaded guilty to the escape, noting in court that "It's a terrible thing to do. It's very hard to be a fugitive for so long." Regarding her actions 30-plus years ago, she explained that "I felt like I wanted to vindicate myself…I wasn't involved in drug trafficking at all. I was a recreational user."

(Source: Associated Press)

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