Ex-911 worker gets probation for taking 2 teens on Halloween vandalism spree

Bobbi L. Franklin took two 14-year-old girls on a ride around Lower Alloways Creek on Halloween morning damaging things with paint.

SALEM -- A former Salem County 911 center employee who took two teens on an overnight vandalism spree, has been sentenced to five years probation.

Bobbi L. Franklin appeared in Superior Court in Salem Friday. She was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay restitution for a criminal mischief incident. (Bill Gallo Jr. | For NJ.com)

Bobbi L. Franklin of Quinton Township must also pay $12,038.39 in restitution for the damage.

She appeared in state Superior Court Friday in Salem before Judge Benjamin Telsey. As part of the plea deal with the Salem County Prosecutor's Office she pleaded guilty to one third-degree charge of criminal mischief.

Other charges against Franklin were dropped.

It was on Halloween morning, Oct. 31, between 3:30 and 6:30 a.m. that Franklin picked up two 14-year-old girls and drove around Lower Alloways Creek Township, slopping paint on a sign at the township school, vehicles and a mailbox, authorities said.

Police in LAC investigated the vandalism and arrested Franklin on Nov. 16.

She was originally charged with two counts of criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and committing a crime with individuals under the age of 17.

Franklin could have faced prison time

The two teens were entered into a program for youth offenders and performed community service, authorities said.

Authorities did not say why they believed Franklin, who was 33 at the time of the incident, acted as she did.

In his sentencing, Telsey said if Franklin provides full restitution on schedule her probation could be cut to two years. She is expected to pay $200 a month, according to discussion in court.

At the time of the incident Franklin worked at the Salem County 911 fire, police and ambulance dispatch center in Mannington Township.

She has since been fired, officials said.