Mariah Copeland Faces Ankle Monitor and Not Guilty Plea

The Young and the Restless character must remain in Sharon's custody as she prepares an insanity defense.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

On The Young and the Restless, Mariah Copeland has entered a not guilty plea after her arraignment and will have to wear an ankle monitor while remaining in her mother Sharon's custody. Mariah insists she knew what she was doing, but Sharon and her lawyer Christine Blair Romalotti are working to convince her to pursue an insanity defense due to her clear mental health struggles. Meanwhile, Abby Winters rejects Mariah's apology, unwilling to forgive her for the trauma caused to her family.

Why it matters

Mariah's case highlights the challenges of balancing justice, mental health treatment, and personal accountability. As a character with a history of trauma, her story explores the complexities of the criminal justice system's approach to defendants with mental illness. The fallout also strains relationships within the close-knit Genoa City community.

The details

After her arraignment, Mariah will have to wear an ankle monitor and remain in the custody of her mother Sharon. Her lawyer Christine is preparing an insanity defense, arguing Mariah's actions were the result of unaddressed mental health issues stemming from childhood trauma. However, Mariah insists she knew what she was doing and wants to plead guilty. Sharon and Christine work to convince her the insanity defense is the best path forward to avoid prison time in favor of intensive counseling. Meanwhile, Mariah's attempt to apologize to Abby and Devon is rejected, as Abby is unwilling to forgive her for the trauma caused to the family.

  • Mariah's arraignment took place recently.
  • Mariah will have to wear the ankle monitor going forward.

The players

Mariah Copeland

A character on The Young and the Restless who is facing criminal charges and mental health struggles after a traumatic incident.

Sharon Newman

Mariah's mother, who is providing custody and support as Mariah navigates the legal system.

Christine Blair Romalotti

Mariah's lawyer, who is preparing an insanity defense to argue for probation and intensive counseling rather than prison time.

Abby Winters

A member of the Genoa City community who has rejected Mariah's apology for the trauma caused to her family.

Devon Winters

Abby's husband, who is also grappling with the fallout from Mariah's actions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're going to find the right medical team this time.”

— Sharon Newman, Mariah's mother (The Young and the Restless)

“I only hate what Mariah's been going through.”

— Tessa Porter (The Young and the Restless)

What’s next

A judge will decide whether Mariah belongs in prison or an inpatient facility for treatment.

The takeaway

Mariah's case highlights the complexities of the criminal justice system's approach to defendants with mental illness, as well as the strain it can place on personal relationships within a tight-knit community.