Table-top advertiser takes plea deal

A resolution to a story we’ve been following for more than a year. The case of a Palm Desert woman who scammed dozens of people out of thousands of dollars involving a “tabletop advertising scheme.” On Wednesday Theresa Marie Darrah, who also went by the name Reese Stacey, pleaded guilty to charges of burglary and grand theft.

She was immediately sentenced to five years formal probation and credit for time already served in the Riverside County Jail. Jail employees in Indio said she was scheduled to be released some time Wednesday night.

Darrah must pay more than 47-thousand dollars in restitution to her victims, and is not allowed to engage in any sales, promotion, or advertising, either directly or indirectly.

For years the Palm Desert woman sold small businesses advertisements, that were supposed to appear on tabletops, but many times the ads didn’t appear…or didn’t appear as promised. Darrah also convinced potential clients to post-date checks then would immediately cash them.

If Darrah violates the terms of her probation, she would be eligible to serve more than six years in prison. Originally Darrah was charged with 50 criminal counts, which included petty theft, grand theft and burglary.