Dawn Marie Rassett wept as Maggie Samec, Ramsey County prosecutor, and Robb Olson, White Bear Lake city prosecutor, recited dozens of incidents in which she is accused of using credit cards and writing checks that didn't belong to her.

Rassett, 42, of Maplewood, who was charged in some cases under the name Dawn Marie Scott, pleaded guilty Monday in Ramsey County District Court to two counts of felony identity theft and one of gross-misdemeanor theft. District Judge Michael Fetsch set sentencing for Jan. 18.

Rassett's defense attorney, Thomas Bauer, put an arm around his client's shoulders as he explained to the judge that Rassett's "life has completely changed" since the incidents, which occurred between July 29 and Oct. 17, 2009, in Ramsey County. Bauer said Rassett has undergone chemical dependency treatment and other therapy.

Then, Samec went over the felony incidents: Rassett used another woman's ID and checkbook at Kohl's in Roseville for $401.72, at Best Buy for $227.08, at a Shell Gas Station for $52.85. She deposited a forged check for $950 at the TCF Bank in Roseville and took out $550 in cash. The list went on and on. Rassett admitted to each one.

Olson then asked her about the theft of a woman's purse from Burnet Realty in White Bear Lake on July 29, 2009. Rassett admitted to that, too.

The plea negotiation calls for Rassett to make restitution in each of the cases. A total won't be known until the sentencing hearing. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors agreed not to press three other charges.

Rassett also pleaded guilty Oct. 28 in Washington County District Court to making a series of illegal purchases at stores in Stillwater and Oak Park Heights last year. Investigators have said Rassett got the credit cards and checks by stealing purses and wallets from schools and at wedding receptions and funerals.

Records show that she has been convicted eight previous times in Minnesota for crimes such as credit card fraud, check forgery, burglary and receiving stolen property. She went to prison in 2002 on convictions of forgery and burglary, records show.

Pat Pheifer • 612-741-4992