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    Socialite gets probation in thefts

    Socialite gets probation in thefts

    The Greenwich Time

    David Hennessey, Staff Writer

    Updated 09:25 p.m., Tuesday, September 6, 2011

    STAMFORD — The Polish-born Manhattan socialite accused of stealing two scarves worth nearly $12,000 from Richards in Greenwich this past June received accelerated rehabilitation in state Superior Court on Tuesday.

    Beata Boman, a New York City fashion designer once romantically linked to Prince Andrew, has been ordered to complete 100 hours of community service, receive counseling and avoid being arrested during the next 18 months.

    Accelerated rehabilitation is a special program for first-time, non-violent offenders that involves placing the person on probation and dropping the charges after the person completes the terms.

    Boman, 38, was accused of stealing a $725 Loro Piana scarf from the Greenwich Avenue store on June 11 and a second scarf worth about $11,000 from the same store two days later. She was first arrested in June in connection with the theft of the more expensive scarf and then arrested in July in connection with the theft of the less-expensive item. Boman was charged with one count of fifth-degree larceny and one count of first-degree larceny.

    Boman’s attorney, Mark Sherman, said his client is looking forward to moving past the incident.

    “This is exactly what we were hoping for,” Sherman said of the case’s resolution. “We are relieved the court is giving Beata a second chance. With this behind her, she can now focus on her Beata B fashion line.”

    Sherman noted that among other items of clothing, Boman’s line features scarves.

    “Other than the allegations before her, she has lived an honest, hard-working life,” Sherman said in Stamford court Tuesday. “It’s very important that she can keep a clear record.”

    Sherman said Boman has been active in Operation Smile, a charitable children’s organization.

    During an investigation into the June 13 incident, store security went back through surveillance video and discovered Boman stealing the less-expensive scarf on June 11, according to police.

    Sherman said after Boman’s June arrest that she walked out of Richards with the $11,000 scarf because she was preoccupied while speaking on the phone with a friend who was undergoing brain surgery. Boman was walking back to Richards to return the scarf after noticing it in her bag when she stopped at Starbucks, a short distance up the Avenue, he said.

    After the July arrest, Sherman said his client had recently undergone brain surgery, and that health issues were at the root of her behavior.

    Boman has already paid Richards for the $725 scarf. The $11,000 scarf was returned.