Massachusetts Man Who Stole From Girl Scouts Gets Probation

A Massachusetts man who stole more than $400 from Girl Scouts selling cookies has avoided prison.

The Daily Hampshire Gazette reports that Nicholas Taverna, of Greenfield, faced up to 15 years behind bars after pleading guilty Monday to theft, assault and battery, and shoplifting, but instead was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay restitution.

Prosecutors say the 25-year-old Taverna grabbed the cash box from the 11- and 12-year-old girls selling cookies at the Northampton Walmart in January 2013 then ran to a car driven by an accomplice.

A scouts' chaperone was injured trying to stop Taverna.

Taverna's attorney says her client was driven by heroin addiction, but has turned his life around and made the dean's list at community college.

The getaway driver awaits trial.