MACHIAS – A 45-year-old Grand Lake Stream woman who was charged with two counts of burglary in connection with a break-in at the home of her father’s former business partner pleaded guilty in Washington County Superior Court.

Catherine Takach also pleaded guilty to two counts of theft by unauthorized taking or transfer.

First Assistant District Attorney Paul Cavanaugh told Justice E. Allen Hunter that in 2006 someone entered the home of Steven and Laurie Schaeffer while they were away. The Schaeffers believe that food, pictures and a desk, among other things, were taken from their home. They did not know who had taken them.

Concerned that their home had been entered, the Schaeffers installed a motion-activated video surveillance camera in their living room.

The couple left for vacation in September of that year. When they returned they reviewed what the camera had picked up and found Takach rummaging around in their house. They saw her leave with some items. Police were called.

Takach wrote a letter to the couple apologizing.

Her attorney, Norman Toffolon of Machias, told the judge Takach has an illness and does not know why she does things like that.

Cavanaugh recommended Takach be sentenced to three years to the Department of Corrections with all but four months suspended. He also asked that she be placed on two years probation and pay restitution.

Toffolon asked the judge to defer sentencing so he could prepare a presentence memo.

Cavanaugh agreed. He said the Schaeffers would like to be present during sentencing, which is scheduled tentatively for Feb. 20.

This is not Takach’s first brush with the law. In 2003, she was accused of stealing money from the Calais city manager’s purse while doing court-ordered community service. Cavanaugh said Takach paid restitution and the case was dismissed. Takach also had other brushes with the law, which will be presented during sentencing, the first assistant district attorney said.