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Bruman, 24, and Harold "Aaron" Holt, 24, both of Lapeer, were each convicted of the September holdup of a Lapeer County Bank & Trust office on M-24 in Deerfield Township. The pair, dubbed "Bonnie and Clyde" by the media, fled the state after the robbery and a police manhunt eventually led to the couple's location in October. They were living in a homeless shelter in Cheyenne, Wyo.

Before sentencing by Lapeer County Circuit Judge Michael Higgins, Bruman broke down in tears and said she was sorry.

"It was by far the stupidest thing I ever did in my life," said Bruman. "I want to prove I would never do this again. I want to make it up to whoever I hurt."

Higgins said she'd never be able to right the wrongs she inflicted on the employees of Lapeer County Bank & Trust.

"They don't make a lot of money and they don't have to put up with this kind of crap," Higgins said. "I remember my daughter in college working nights at a convenience store. We always feared she would be robbed. You made them live in fear."

Bruman was sentenced to spend a year in jail, with credit for 157 days served, three years of probation, court costs, and fines. She must also repay Lapeer County Bank & Trust $5,024 and Lapeer County almost $3,857 for her share of costs to return the pair to Michigan. She must pay the fee of her court appointed attorney Michael Gildner.

Higgins followed sentencing guidelines for the first time offender who plead guilty to bank robbery. The charge of armed robbery, which carries a penalty of up to life in prison, was dismissed.

"If she violates probation, she could face up to life in prison," said Lapeer County Prosecuting Attorney Byron Konschuh after the hearing. "If she returns to her former lifestyle, which includes the heavy use of drugs, she'll be back."

Higgins expressed doubt that Bruman would adhere to the conditions of probation.

"You can have no alcohol, and no drugs," said Higgins. "You must comply with alcohol and drug testing. Things will go bad for you. You have just about blown your opportunity as a parent."

Bruman said she had "three reasons to change," referring to her three children.

Holt was sentenced by Higgins in February on the same charge. He will serve between 24 months to 10 years in prison and shares similar costs and fines.

The state's guidelines for sentencing were stricter with Holt because of a previous felony larceny conviction in Texas, said Konschuh.

Susan Younger may be reached at (810)664-0811, ext. 8122 or susan.younger@lapeergroup.com