CRESWELL, Ore. -- Cassie Putnam, the Creswell woman who stole thousands of dollars from a mother of six after her partner died, pleaded guilty to theft in the first degree.

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A Lane County judge on Friday ordered Putnam to participate in a nine-month community mediation program.

If she successfully completes the program, the class C felony will be dropped from her record.

The community mediation program will consist of classes that Putnam will have to attend.

This story began a couple of months ago when Putnam stole $2,500 from a charitable gift intended for Echo Bell.

Bell's mother believes Putnam's punishment is too lenient. 

"I know people who've done a lot less and got a lot more. But I'm not really surprised on the fact that she said this was gonna happen, and it exactly did happen. And she said she was gonna get away with it cause her husband is a (sheriff's deputy)," said Debbra Bell.

Echo Bell wasn't able to speak on-camera today but expressed her gratitude for all of the support she has received from the Creswell community. 

This is a developing story.