Defendant pleads guilty in Bexar County theft case; judge allows sentence via GPS, waives fees

Catherine Grabs pleaded guilty to a theft charge in the 187th District Court on Feb. 18, and the court found her guilty and imposed a custodial sentence to be served via electronic monitoring.

Judge Stephanie Boyd, presiding, told Grabs that the court had reviewed the state's exhibits and found sufficient evidence to support the conviction. "The court is finding you guilty. The court will sentence you to 60 days GPS, waive fees, and it'll be partial GPS for employment and plasma donation. There's to be no contact with HEB," Boyd said during the hearing.

Prosecutor Megan Bowler confirmed the state's evidence and defense counsel Lindsay Shaw confirmed Grabs had reviewed plea paperwork and waived the reading of the indictment. The judge and counsel discussed two implementation options: 20 days in the Bexar County Jail or serving 20 days via electronic monitoring. The judge clarified on the record that the plea called for 20 days in Bexar County Jail under the applicable statute but that the court would permit the 20 days to be served on GPS, for a total GPS period of 60 days. The judge ordered that Grabs report to the Bexar County jail on Feb. 24 no later than 11 a.m. and that the previously proposed $500 fine would not be imposed.

Court records show the state offered documentary exhibits into evidence without objection. The court also recorded a waiver of appeal documents and advised Grabs that, as a felony conviction, she is barred from possessing weapons or ammunition.

The judge instructed defense counsel and court staff to confirm logistics for Grabs's reporting and monitoring and to ensure there were no outstanding administrative matters before she self-surrendered. There was no oral request from the defense to modify other terms of supervision during the hearing.

Grabs’s sentencing and conditions (GPS, fee waiver, no contact with HEB, report date) were entered on the record and the court closed the matter.