Mom Gets 5 Years in Prison for Sending Son to Better School

Case of Tanya McDowell caused national stir but couldn't stop conviction

A homeless, single mother has been sentenced to 12 years in jail -- suspended after she serves five years, and five years probation -- for sending her son, 6, to a better school outside of his zone district.

Tanya McDowell gained national attention when she was arrested and charged with "stealing $15,686 worth of 'free' educational services" from Norwalk, CT.

McDowell, who admitting to sleeping in a van or crashing at a friend's house, last lived in Bridgeport, CT and based on that, her son should have been enrolled in that town. Instead, McDowell used the address of a babysitter in Norwalk.

She also pleaded guilty to four counts of sale of narcotics, which will be included in her prison sentence.

[ALSO READ: 3 Moms Arrested for Bettering Kids Education]