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Md. woman ordered to pay $22K for rare book thefts

BETHESDA, Md. (AP) — A Bethesda woman has been ordered to pay more than $22,000 to her former friend after admitting in court to stealing dozens of rare books from her, including one worth $8,000.

Christina Wimmel pleaded guilty Tuesday to theft and apologized for stealing more than $33,000 in rare books from her neighbor, a rare book dealer. Because Wimmel returned four books after being caught, she was ordered to repay the value of the books she couldn’t return — about $22,300.

The judge spared the 31-year-old from jail but put her on supervised probation. She must pay $300 a month to the book dealer.

Wimmel’s attorney says his client has a history of psychological issues.

The book dealer, Julia Jordan, says Wimmel’s life story is sad, but she has to take responsibility.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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