WAILUKU - A Molokai woman was sentenced Tuesday to a five-year prison term for stealing an iPod, wallet and checkbook from a vehicle in a Kaunakakai parking lot earlier this year.

Because she is a repeat offender, Georgette Stevens was ordered to serve at least three years and four months of the term before being eligible for parole.

The 29-year-old admitted to taking the items when she was questioned by police shortly after the theft was reported March 23, according to court records.

Stevens returned the iPod and wrote a letter apologizing to the owner, said Deputy Public Defender Shelly Miyashiro. She said Stevens later learned that she knew the woman.

The woman's stolen checks were used to buy gas at Rawlins Gas Station and at Friendly Market, according to court records.

"The defendant's actions did have a great impact on people in her community," said Deputy Prosecutor Brandon Paredes. "It's really time for the defendant to take responsibility, address her substance abuse problems."

Miyashiro said Stevens plans to take substance abuse treatment classes while incarcerated.

Stevens had pleaded no contest to first-degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, two counts of second-degree forgery and three counts of third-degree theft. In exchange for her pleas, the prosecution agreed to seek the shorter mandatory minimum term for Stevens based on two prior convictions instead of the five-year minimum for a three-time repeat offender.

Second Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza said that by making changes while she is incarcerated, Stevens could avoid being sent back to prison.

According to court records, Stevens has prior convictions for four counts each of third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and possessing drug paraphernalia in three 2007 cases. In those cases, she was resentenced last month to a five-year prison term, which she is serving at the same time as her latest sentence.

In another case, a 22-year-old Wailuku man was sentenced Tuesday to a one-year jail term for entering another man's house and trying to assault him.

Keoki "Kahi" Cabebe had pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of first-degree criminal trespassing and attempted third-degree assault in the April 25 incident at a residence on Kumulipo Place in Wailuku.

According to court records, Cabebe went to the home at 4:20 a.m., alleging a man living there had set fire to Cabebe's house. The two had been involved in a confrontation that night at a club, the victim told police. Cabebe took a swing at the other man, according to court records.

"I'm extremely remorseful for my actions," Cabebe said in court. "This whole incident was an argument between friends that got out of control. I almost lost a couple of good friends because of the choices I made."

Before being taken into custody about three months ago, Cabebe said he had been working full time and nearing graduation from an outpatient treatment program.

While he asked to be released from jail, Paredes recommended the one-year jail term, noting that Cabebe was on probation at the time of the offenses.

"You put yourself in a very tight spot," Cardoza told Cabebe. "There is hope for you because you do seem to be motivated to make changes."

Cabebe is serving the jail term at the same time as a one-year jail term as part of five years' probation in another case. He was resentenced in that case on charges of second-degree robbery, unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle and unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle.