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Family Will Be Allowed To Stay In Home After Shoplifting Charge

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (CBS4)- A single mother and her three children will be allowed to stay in their Grand Junction home despite a shoplifting charge over a stolen pair of shoes.

Tanya Abbey was convinced she and her family wouldn't be able to stay in their home for Christmas after her 13-year-old son Oran got caught shoplifting a pair of shoes -- an act that violated the family's lease.

However, Dan Whalen, Executive Director of Housing Resources of Western Colorado said in regards to Abbey's claim they would be evicted from their home at the Garden Village Apartments, "I can unequivocally state that under no circumstances will any tenant at this project be required to vacate prior to or during the upcoming holidays."

The Garden Village Apartments also confirmed that although tenants are subject to compliance to federal, state and local laws, they would not evict someone over a minor's shoplifting charge.

"My shoes were getting worn out ... it was getting cold, my feet were getting cold," Oran said of his decision to shoplift. "I let my mom down, like I let everybody down."

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