Mom Fined For Not Returning Videotapes

A woman was fined $25 on Monday for failing to return rented videotapes.

Denise Lawrence, 24, was arrested as her four children watched and charged with a felony last month for not returning “Dumb and Dumber,” two other videos and a game. She eventually returned the tapes and paid a late fee.

Prosecutor William Neely reduced the charge of failure to return rental property to a misdemeanor but wanted Lawrence to admit intentional wrongdoing. When she refused, the plea bargain fell apart.

Lawrence said she forgot about the tapes in the bustle of her busy household.