Lain was set to go on trial Monday in Stark County Common Pleas Court but instead pleaded guilty to felony charges of gross abuse of a corpse, obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence during a hearing Wednesday.
Under her plea agreement, Lain can file for early release after serving two years in prison.
Defense attorney Jacob Will said Lain would have faced six years in prison if she had gone to trial and been convicted of all charges. By pleading guilty, she avoided the cost of a trial and received a sentence two years shorter with possible early release, he said.
Two others — Carl A. Spencer, 27, and Bryan T. Gentry, 27 — also are charged with Stein’s death. Both men face felony charges of aggravated murder, abduction, tampering with evidence and gross abuse of a corpse.
Spencer’s trial is set for Oct. 29. Gentry’s trial begins Nov. 12. Both have pleaded not guilty.