A never-ending story: Why, if Rita Crundwell pleaded guilty, was she allowed to walk out of the courtroom?

She should have been carted off in handcuffs until her sentencing. Why is she allowed to spend the holidays with her family while the taxpayers have to do without? 

If it was anyone off the streets, we would have been in jail from the beginning. Has anyone looked to see whether any money was given to Jim McKillips from Rita? I, and so many others, have wondered whether, had this gone to trial, who else would be found in the loop?