Defendant Betina Young has been ordered to serve just fifteen days in jail for issuing driver's licenses and identification cards to people who have entered the country illegally.

The sentence will be served three days at a time over the course of the next five years.

Those three days, according to Ohio Judge Michael Holbrook, will take place over the Christmas holiday.

This creative sentencing is known throughout the county as a "Holbrook holiday".   It's creator says he's been using this type of punishment for nearly a decade.  He asks defendants about annual dates that are important to them.  Some choose the 4th of July, others pick birthdays.

If the accused is found guilty, they will be ordered to serve between three and five days jail each year during that time period.  It takes them away from their families and is a stark reminder as to why they should obey the rules.

The punishment is served as part of a probation term.  In Young's case, if she defies the jail order, she will be required to spend 15 years in one of the Ohio state prisons.

It is estimated that about 40 individuals have been given "Holbrook holidays".  The judge feels that this is a very cost-effective alternative to long-term sentencing.  These offenders are very motivated to adhere to the terms and conditions of their probation.

Young landed in front of Holbrook after she admitted to accepting illegal payments from license applicants.  She said she would then falsify documents to indicate these persons proved they were legal residents.

Her co-defendnat, Seku Kpoto, is reportedly scheduled to appear in court next week.  He is accused of being a middleman.   Court documentation alleges he solicited bribes from undocumented immigrants.   As soon as he had cash in hand he would take these people to Young.

It is believed that Young issued more than 70 fraudulent identification cards and drivers licenses during  her employment with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.   Court records show Kpoto accepted more than $1,000 for each transaction.

It is unclear how much of those monies were paid to Young.