A Slippery Rock woman who reportedly stole about $40,000 from her employer to cover a drug habit was sentenced Tuesday to serve 6 to 12 months in prison, with the possibility of early parole after a month if she completes prison programming.

The fact that she is a mother played into Melanie Eaton's sentence.

"I could send you to the state penitentiary for a long time, but I think that would be punishing your son," Butler County Judge Timothy McCune told Eaton. "I'm giving you a break ... a huge break."

Both the defendant and her father addressed the judge.

They said Melanie Eaton, who earned an associate degree in college after graduating high school with honors, encountered her life's problems only after becoming addicted to drugs.

"I made a lot of mistakes," Eaton told the judge. "My addiction left my life in shambles."

Although Eaton, 29, had made past attempts at rehabilitation, she said the birth of her son Elijah 16 months ago helped her turn the corner.

Eaton, had worked as a bookkeeper for Randy and Bob's Carstar for about six months, reportedly taking money and checks from the Oakland Township company to buy heroin and OxyContin.

She pleaded guilty to theft, conspiracy and 48 counts of forgery.

After her release from prison she will have to pay restitution and serve 13 years probation.