The sentencing of Sandra M. Abrams for stealing purses during worship services at Buffalo

churches last November was put off today after State Supreme Court Justice Christopher J.

Burns agreed to send her to a rehab center for treatment.

As Burns adjourned the sentencing of Abrams, 36, of North Street, to March 29 and told the

her she will be transported to the state's Madonna House treatment facility in Lockport as

soon as a bed becomes available there.

Prosecutor Hope R. Jay said the Erie County District Attorney's Office hasn't agreed to the

court-orderd pre-sentencing treatment. But defense Andrew C. LoTempio insisted treatment and

not prison is what the heroin addicted woman needs.

"She's in the throes of a 15-year drug addiction and her life is spinning out of control,"

LoTempio said of Abrams.

She pleaded guilty Feb. 1 to felony grand larceny for stealing purses containing a total of

about $22 cash and credit cards last Nov. 15.

Abrams has been jailed since her Nov. 24 arrest after thefts at St. Louis Catholic Church

on Main Street, Westminster Presbyterian Church on Delaware Avenue, St. George Orthodox Church

on Nottingham Terrace and St. Mark Catholic Church on Woodward Avenue.

Jay and LoTempio told the judge Abrams has been accepted into the state's Judicial

Diversion Program and is awaiting the availability of a bed at the Lockport in-patient

treatment facility.