4/13/13 - The Howell Township couple accused of stealing a donation jar from a local store have entered separate pleas in the case. 34-year-old Michael Cory and 28-year-old Tena Cory entered the pleas Friday in Livingston County Circuit Court. Michael Cory pleaded guilty as charged to larceny in a building in exchange for prosecutors agreeing to a 22 month prison cap. Tena Cory pleaded guilty to the same charge, but has the option to withdraw her plea at sentencing. That deal was taken under advisement by the court and her previous $10,000 personal bond was reinstated. Both will be sentenced May 2nd. Authorities say the couple walked into a convenience store at M-59 and Grand River with a child on February 16th. Police say surveillance video (pictured) showed Tena distracting a clerk while Michael stole the collection jar, which was for a girl in Arkansas with Down Syndrome to get a needed surgery. Several members of the community more than replaced the money after hearing about the story. Cory was on parole for a previous retail fraud conviction at the time and is currently incarcerated at a correctional facility in Ann Arbor, where he was taken after his arrest. (JM)
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