Bufford

The People appeal an order denying their motion to set the amount of victim restitution payable by defendant Angela Bufford. We reverse and remand.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

In 1997, defendant and several codefendants were charged with multiple offenses involving elderly victims. The trial court dismissed three of the counts, and the People appealed. In February 2000, while the appeal was pending, defendant pled guilty to one count of elder theft from alleged victim Richard Nelson. When it took the plea, the court made clear that a restitution order would be specific to Mr. Nelson and not to a specific count of the 96-count indictment. Defendant’s counsel replied, “I understand that restitution will be specific to alleged victim Richard Nelson and we understand that we’re entitled to a hearing on that and we will be submitting arguments to your Honor at a restitution hearing as to why my client should or should not pay all, some or none of the amounts related to him.”

Defendant was sentenced to four years in prison, with 1,297 days’ credit. She was also ordered to make restitution to the victim’s family, with the amount to be determined by subsequent court…