“Bonnie” won’t be living the high-life anymore. She was sentenced to five years in prison.
23-year old Jocelyn S. Kirsch –– one half of a "Bonnie and Clyde" ID-thieving couple that jetsetted on other people's money –– is trading in her Tiffany’s tag bracelet and designer clothes for prison issued bracelets and a not-so fashionable jumpsuit.
Kirsch, the former Drexel student who pleaded guilty to identity fraud, was sentenced this morning to five years in prison.
"This sentence properly punishes the defendant, provides full restitution and protects the public," said U.S. District Judge Eduardo C. Robreno.
Kirsch quietly apologized for her actions and showed no reaction when taken from the federal courtroom in Philadelphia, according to Philly.com.
Kirsch wasn’t seen wearing a designer suit in court today, but wore a dark green prison-issued pants suit, which must be quite different to the expensive garb she’s used to wearing.
“Bonnie’s” defense attorney, Ronald Greenblatt, argued Kirsch suffers from mental problems.
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Greenblatt told the judge Kirsch has serious psychological problems. She would make things up about herself, like she was an Olympic-class pole vaulter, which is untrue.
Kirsch also comes from a broken family, her parents divorced and she has not spoken to her only brother in years. Her problems "played a central role" in the crime, Greenblatt said.
But, Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis D. Lappen argued the crime was premeditated, involving planning and different levels of fraud.
Kirsch is also ordered to:
- Receive mental-health treatment in prison
- Five years probation once released from prison
- Pay $100,000 in restitution
Kirsch pleaded guilty in July to conspiracy, access-device fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, and two counts of aggravated identity theft.
Kirsch's former boyfriend, Edward K. Anderton also pleaded guilty. He is scheduled for sentencing Nov. 14.
