Antioch woman pleads guilty to stealing therapeutic dog

An Antioch woman who initially denied she intentionally withheld a runaway therapeutic dog from an autistic child has pleaded guilty to theft in Lake County court, officials said.

Betty Peltier, 58, of Antioch, was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service, spend one year on court supervision, and may not have any contact with the Autism Society of America following her plea bargain Wednesday.

She could have served up to one year in jail if she didn't reach a plea agreement with prosecutors, officials said.

Peltier was accused of not returning the Chihuahua named Peanut when she found the dog wandering in Round Lake Beach in June.

Peanut, a therapeutic dog for a child suffering from autism, slipped out of its home and was reported missing by its family June 21.

Peanut was found that day by Peltier, but she did not return it to the autistic child until a reward was issued.

Peltier held onto the dog until July 2, and routinely called the family and inquired about a reward, police said.

The family called police and, when the reward was offered July 2, Peltier called the family and made arrangements to drop off the dog.

Peltier was arrested at the Round Lake Beach home after dropping off Peanut, Walker said.

Peltier is due back in court Oct. 6 for a status update.