Mayor’s Daughter Pleads Guilty in Drug Case
The mayor’s daughter on Thursday pleaded guilty to using methamphetamine and agreed to enter a rehabilitation program.
The guilty plea was a reversal in stance. Since Stephanie Shea’s arrest Aug. 10, her mother, Irvine Mayor Christina Shea, has said the drugs were not for Stephanie and has voiced concern about police handling of the case.
But on Thursday, the somber-looking mayor stood outside the Harbor Justice Center courtroom in Newport Beach and said she will now focus on her daughter’s well-being.
“Whatever it’s going to take to help her, we’re going to do it,” the mayor said.
Her sobbing daughter did not comment.
Superior Court Judge Susanne S. Shaw sentenced Stephanie Shea, 21, to 180 days in jail, but the sentence will be waived if she successfully completes the drug program and three years’ probation.
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