Woman avoids prison for nose bite

St. Cloud, Minn. - A St. Cloud woman avoided going to prison when she was sentenced for biting off a large chunk of another woman's nose.

Crystal Malmanger, 20, had been facing more than seven years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree assault.

But Stearns County District Judge Kris Davick-Halfen gave her credit for the six months she already has spent in jail, and ordered her to perform 120 hours of community service and pay a fine and restitution.

The judge stayed the seven-year, two-month sentence recommended under the state's sentencing guidelines, meaning that if Malmanger violates the terms of her probation, she could be sent to prison for the full term.

The victim's father was in court and told Davick-Halfen his daughter has forgiven Malmanger, Holson said.

"I think Crystal realizes that this is something that's going to affect (the victim) the rest of her life," Holson said. "They were good friends, and Crystal feels absolutely horrendous."

Malmanger told investigators she was drunk and couldn't remember any details about the Feb. 17 fight because she blacked out. Police needed a search warrant to enter the house where the fight happened to recover the victim's piece of nose.

Holson said Malmanger has completed treatment, has been living at a halfway house and has found a job.

story courtesy twincities.com, 9/15/06