Woman Pleads Guilty in Cadillac Officer Shooting Case

Stephanie Ferrante sentenced to 47 days in jail for lying to police during investigation

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Stephanie Ferrante, a 42-year-old woman connected to an officer-involved shooting in Cadillac, Michigan, has pleaded guilty to lying to a peace officer during an investigation related to an armed robbery and home invasion that took place in early January. In exchange for the plea, other charges against Ferrante were dropped.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal issues surrounding officer-involved shootings and the importance of thorough investigations to determine if the use of force was justified. Ferrante's plea deal also raises questions about accountability for individuals connected to violent crimes, even if they were not the primary perpetrators.

The details

Ferrante was a passenger in a stolen vehicle that was stopped by Cadillac police officers on January 2nd. During the traffic stop, a man identified as Charles Stewart allegedly pointed a handgun at the officers, leading one officer to fatally shoot him. Ferrante was taken into custody as part of the investigation, but was not injured in the shooting. She has now pleaded guilty to lying to a peace officer during the investigation.

  • The armed robbery and home invasion occurred on January 2nd.
  • Ferrante pleaded guilty on February 20th, 2026.

The players

Stephanie Ferrante

A 42-year-old woman who was a passenger in a stolen vehicle involved in an officer-involved shooting in Cadillac, Michigan.

Charles Stewart

The man who allegedly pointed a handgun at Cadillac police officers during the traffic stop, leading to his fatal shooting by an officer.

Stephen Billett

The homeowner who was murdered during the home invasion that preceded the officer-involved shooting.

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What’s next

The judge will determine if Ferrante's 47-day jail sentence is appropriate given the circumstances of the case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding officer-involved shootings, and the importance of thorough investigations to determine if the use of force was justified. It also raises questions about accountability for individuals connected to violent crimes, even if they were not the primary perpetrators.