SALEM — A day after a judge issued a warrant for Jody Cabot, who failed to appear for a hearing in a check-fraud case, Cabot showed up at Salem District Court yesterday to clear up the matter.
And instead of a lecture, Judge Robert Cornetta made her an offer: If her mother and alleged victim — Salem's "official witch," Laurie Cabot — does not object, the judge would continue the case without a finding for nine months and absolve her of any responsibility to pay back the money prosecutors say she stole.
Jody Cabot, 49, who now lives in Hull, was charged two years ago with forging her mother's name on a check and depositing it at a downtown bank.
By the time the forgery was discovered, according to a police report, Cabot had spent $3,200 shopping at Target's Web site.
Last year, the case was continued generally and Cabot agreed to pay $1,323 in restitution to her mother. But she defaulted on the agreement, something her lawyer, Steve Reardon, attributed to severe financial difficulties.
Prosecutor Honor Segal said Laurie Cabot had been interested in pursuing the case in the past but acknowledged that she had not spoken recently with Salem's most famous witch.
One of Jody Cabot's lawyers from a prior case in which Laurie Cabot was also the victim told the judge that the elder Cabot did not want to testify against her own daughter.
If prosecutors confirm that, Jody Cabot could be off the hook for the money.
She appeared in court yesterday in traditional witch garb, including a long black skirt, corseted top and velvet cape, which she put on as she was approaching the bench in the courtroom.
A status hearing has been scheduled for Friday, Nov. 13.
"I would advise all of the parties to bring their appropriate souvenirs for protection," the judge suggested.
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