TACOMA – A Pierce County car thief has decided to stay in jail for the medical benefits.

Melissa Matthews, a 20-year-old woman who has been convicted many times, sits in Pierce County Jail, where she's getting her cancer treatment paid for.

Some see that as a problem with the jail system, others say it demonstrates a problem with our medical system.

"I've been selling drugs since I was 15 years old," said Matthews, who already knows the court system like a seasoned criminal. "I thought it was fun. I was high on meth and I started stealing cars."

Matthews says her parents started her on this path.

KING

Melissa Matthews started on meth at age 12.

"I've been doing meth since I was 12," she said. "My mom gave me my first line of meth at 12 years old."

But if it seems like Matthews never got a break, consider this: On Tuesday she pleaded guilty to her latest crimes: identity theft and possession of a stolen car. She could have gotten out of jail to pursue drug treatment, but she didn't want to because she was diagnosed with cancer.

"If I'm in here in custody, then my procedure at the jail would be paid for," she said.

Since Matthews was first arrested in November, a county-paid doctor diagnosed her with cervical cancer.

Matthews says the county already paid for one medical procedure at a Tacoma clinic, but she needs another one, and the county is required to pick up the $3,000 to $5,000 tab as long as she's in jail.

"Still to this day I would rather go outside, but I'd rather live than go outside," she said.

"We believe scarce law enforcement services shouldn't be used to subsidize someone's health cost," said Ed Troyer, Pierce County Sheriff's spokesman. "The fact that she is manipulating the system to get her health care costs paid for concerns us greatly." 

Matthew's story prompted outrage from many KING 5 viewers, among them Karen King, who has since written a letter to Senator Patty Murray. 

"I was very angry," said King. 

Four months ago, King was diagnosed with a syndrome that restricts her ability to breathe.  Because of her illness, she finds herself in a vicious cycle unable to work and unable to afford medication. 

"I've never broken the law, I pay my taxes," said King.  "I've worked since I was like 13." 

A friend had told me, go commit a crime and I'll get all the help I needed.  But I'm not going to," added King. 

Another person to express outrage was the victim of Matthew's latest crime, a struggling single mother who says the theft of her car brought her to the brink of homelessness. 

"She goes and steals my vehicle and gets the royal treatment for being in prison," said Kimberly Wilson, car theft victim.

Matthew's lawyer says the real culprit is not his client, but the healthcare system.

"On the outside she wouldn't get treatment, just like numerous people, so we've got to do something," said Stephen Oelrich, attorney.

Karen King believes there's a problem with both. 

"We just need to look into it and get help. Change our system around," said King.

When asked if she understands how people might think this sends the wrong message – to commit a crime and get free cancer treatment, Matthews said, "Oh yeah, I understand totally… and if I can, I'm gonna take it, like I most certainly did."

Matthews got a seven-month sentence. She says her current situation is a blessing – a second shot at life, and she plans to use it to stay to get off drugs and stay out of trouble.

Matthews was not required to pay restitution. The prosecutor did not request that anything more than court costs be paid.

The Pierce County Sheriff's Department, which runs the jail, says it doesn't want the jail being used as a care facility.  They are looking into the case.