Woman faces 1976 prison break charge

PLYMOUTH, Mich., July 29 (UPI) -- A Californian mother has pleaded not guilty to a 1976 escape from a Michigan prison following conviction on a drug charge.

Susan LeFevre, 53, allegedly climbed a prison fence after serving one year on a 10-20 year sentence after pleading guilty to selling $300 worth of heroin to an undercover police officer. She now faces an additional five years in prison for the escape after she was recaptured in April at her home just outside San Diego, The Detroit News reported Tuesday.

LeFevre's attorney is challenging the original prison sentence with a motion in Saginaw Circuit Court arguing that the judge erred by giving anyone convicted of selling heroin 10-20 years in prison. He also argues the escape charges now are unnecessary.

"My feeling is that it shouldn't be brought," attorney Bill Swor said about the criminal charge after the court hearing. "There are better uses for taxpayer money."