GOLDEN, Colo. -- A former caregiver at a Wheat Ridge nursing home tearfully apologized Thursday for stealing a diamond ring from an Alzheimer's patient.

A judge then sentenced her to four years behind bars.

Ebony Michelle Butler, 23, told the victim's family, "I feel great shame in what I've done."

Butler was working at the Spring Ridge Park Assisted Living Center in September 2006 when 80-year-old Jean Mayer's diamond ring disappeared.

"It was around our anniversary 35 years ago that I gave her (Jean) that ring," said the victim's husband, Russell Mayer.

Police recovered the stolen ring at the Cash America Pawn Shop near Colfax and Wadsworth. They said Butler had pawned it for $500.

"I was very, very angry," said C.J. Griffin, the victim's daughter. "I trusted my precious (mom) to the care of this woman."

Griffin said that by the time her mom got the ring back, her condition had deteriorated so much, that she didn't recognize its significance.

Butler's attorney told the court that her client stole the ring because of personal circumstances. She said Butler was a single parent and was falling behind with her bills.

"The victim was defenseless and 100 percent dependent on someone who was not going to take advantage of her," said Jefferson County District Court Judge Jack Berryhill.

"What was stolen," the judge added, "was not just a ring. What was stolen were treasured memories."

Berryhill sentenced Butler to 48 months in the Department of Corrections and ordered her to pay $500 restitution.

Then he gave her a break, telling her she could go to boot camp, a rigorous 90-day rehabilitative program for young offenders. If she successfully completes boot camp, the judge said he would revisit her sentence and perhaps shorten it.

"I think justice has been served," said Mayer. "Because it gives her a chance to do what she says she can do."

Mayer said he holds no hate toward the defendant, "although I'm very disappointed in her actions."

Butler was to have been sentenced last month, but she failed to show for her sentencing hearing.

When authorities learned she was returning to Denver from Philadelphia, they met her at the bus station and took her into custody.