LARNED — Michele Cresci, 48 of Pawnee Rock, appeared in custody Wednesday afternoon before Pawnee County Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell. Judge Cowell advised the defendant that she faces five charges of criminal damage to property, Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett reported.
She is charged with four counts of criminal damage to property of at least $1,000, but less than $25,000, severity level 9 nonperson felonies; and one count of criminal damage to property of less than $1,000, a Class B nonperson misdemeanor.
“The complaint alleges that three tractors and two structures were damaged in separate incidents in rural Pawnee County between July 31, 2016 and Sept. 19, 2016,” McNett said.
If convicted, she could face prison sentences between five and 17 months with the Kansas Department of Corrections on each felony charge, depending on her criminal history.
Cresci is being held in the Pawnee County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bond. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for March 22.
Cresci was arrested Feb. 28 in Rush County and delivered to the Pawnee County Jail. She is also the suspect in a criminal damage to property case in Great Bend that occurred on Feb. 10. Security camera footage shows an individual, alleged to be Cresci, standing next to a vehicle and firing a gun at the Yoga Central Studio at 6003 10th St.