A woman who admitted to writing and cashing checks on an elderly family member's account without permission will avoid prison time as long as she complies with the terms of her probation.

Angela Krei, 24, was sentenced to four years of supervised probation Wednesday in Albany County District Court. Judge Jeffrey Donnell also gave Krei a suspended three- to six-year prison sentence, which Krei will not have to serve unless she violates her probation.

Krei will pay $1,161.73 in restitution to the victim, as well as standard court fees. Donnell ordered Krei to complete a level one outpatient treatment program, a criminal thinking class and a mental health evaluation.

"You have got to get the drugs behind you," said Donnell.

Krei admitted in February to one count of felony forgery as part of a plea agreement. In exchange, the state agreed to recommend a sentence of probation.

Court documents say the victim told a Laramie police officer that Krei had written and cashed checks on the victim's account without permission. The victim also said she was missing two checkbooks from two different accounts.

According to the police affidavit, the officer found five checks that were not written by authorized users of the account in question. Surveillance video reportedly shows Krei filling out a check at a Laramie Loaf N Jug on Oct. 14.

Donnell said Wednesday that he hopes Krei can get back on the right track.

"I would like to see you back with your children in a decent house with no drugs and with a job, that you would support yourself," said Donnell. "I would like to not hanging out with the people you've been hanging out with for years."

Krei is faced with serious adjustments, as her current boyfriend is a convicted felon and Krei is not permitted to have any contact with convicted felons per the terms of her probation. Donnell made it clear that Krei's current living arrangement is unacceptable.

"If you want to see your kids again, if you want to lead a normal life for the rest of your life, you'd better start today," Donnell said.

"You have an opportunity here, Ms. Krei," said Donnell. "Do not throw it away."

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