Cedar Rapids woman sentenced to probation for stealing grandmother’s money

By Trish Mehaffey, The Gazette CEDAR RAPIDS - A Cedar Rapids woman pleaded guilty and received a deferred judgment Thursday for stealing about $33,000 from her grandmother in 2013, which she mostly used for gambling.

Lori Surrett, 46, charged with first-degree theft, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of second-degree theft in Linn County District Court. She had power of attorney for her elderly grandmother and admitted to taking the money from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2013, according to a criminal complaint.

Sixth Judicial District Senior Judge Thomas Koehler gave Surrett a deferred judgment, in accordance with the plea agreement, and sentenced her to five years probation. She was also ordered to pay $5,000 in victim restitution to the estate of her grandmother.

First Assistant Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks said he left the amount of restitution up to Surrett's father. Her father thought that amount was realistic for her to actually pay back and he wanted her to have a second chance to change her life and gain employment.