Court sentences Selena Marie Allen to two years for theft amid family support pleas

In a significant court session on April 9, 2025, Judge Stephanie Boyd presided over the sentencing of Selena Marie Allen, who faced charges stemming from multiple thefts. Allen, who entered a guilty plea, was sentenced to two years in a state jail facility, despite her defense team's request for probation.

During the hearing, Allen's mother, Linda Reyes, passionately advocated for leniency, emphasizing her daughter's role as a caregiver and the challenges they faced, including health issues and financial instability. Reyes described Allen as a devoted mother who had made poor choices due to an abusive relationship and the hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. She pleaded with the court to allow her daughter to serve her sentence at home, citing the emotional toll on Allen's children, particularly her nine-year-old daughter.

Allen herself expressed remorse for her actions, acknowledging her past mistakes and the impact of her abusive relationship on her decisions. She highlighted her efforts to improve her life by taking various classes while in custody, including parenting and anger management courses. However, the court noted a troubling pattern of repeated thefts, which ultimately influenced the decision against probation.

Judge Boyd concluded that probation was not appropriate given the severity and frequency of Allen's offenses, sentencing her to two years in prison with recommendations for a therapeutic community program to aid in her recovery.

The session also included discussions regarding another defendant, Robert Thompson, who faced charges related to possession of a controlled substance. Thompson's case was addressed following Allen's sentencing, with the court moving forward with procedural matters related to his plea agreement.

This court session underscores the ongoing challenges within the justice system, particularly regarding the balance between rehabilitation and accountability for repeat offenders. The emotional testimonies from family members reflect the broader societal issues surrounding crime, poverty, and the impact of domestic abuse.