FREDERICK, Md. (AP) — A Frederick woman has been sentenced to 18 months in jail for stabbing a man during a dispute over a hat.
Paula Fatka, 29, was scheduled for trial Wednesday on six charges including armed robbery and theft, but reached a plea deal after the victim would not cooperate with prosecutors.
Police said Fatka stabbed Steven Burdette at a Frederick home in January 2009 after she tried to leave with his hat and he confronted her. When Burdette went to a hospital to have his wound treated, hospital staff called police who obtained a warrant for Fatka’s arrest.
Fatka eluded capture for two years, but surrendered to police in January.
Retired Judge Mary Ann Stepler ordered Fatka to serve 18 months of a 15-year sentence.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
