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Homeless Pennsylvania Man Faces 7 Years In Prison Over 43 Cent Soda Theft

PennLive reports Joseph Sobolewski, 38, went into a convenience store in Perry County in August to buy a bottle of soda. The advertised price of the Mountain Dew was two for $3. Sobolewski paid $2 for one bottle and walked out. The price for a single bottle, however, was $2.29 plus tax, meaning he was 43 cents short.

The publication added that the store called the police on Sobolewski, who was arrested and charged with a felony under the state’s “three strikes law” for retail theft. He had been convicted more than a decade ago for a theft and in 2011 for stealing a pair of shoes.

The law doesn’t take into account the value of the item in the third theft charge.

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by Anonymousreply 10September 21, 2021 11:36 AM

PennLive noted that it’s unclear if the charge will hold — the law requires proof that the theft was an intentional crime rather than a misunderstanding over the full value of an item.

A first retail theft offense is a summary, akin to a speeding ticket, a second offense is a misdemeanor and subsequent offenses are classified as third-degree felonies. Pennsylvania’s The Sentinel newspaper notes other third-degree felonies include involuntary manslaughter, institutional sexual assault and carrying a gun without a license.

by Anonymousreply 1September 21, 2021 8:39 AM

I hope he gets off. His so-called crime was unintentional, and the punishment doesn't fit the minor, trivial offense.

by Anonymousreply 2September 21, 2021 8:40 AM

Good for him. He'll have a home. A bed to sleep in. 3 meals a day. Company. Occasional anal sex, even when he thinks he doesn't want it.

What's the problem?

by Anonymousreply 3September 21, 2021 8:41 AM

He's ugly. GUILTY AS CHARGED!

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by Anonymousreply 4September 21, 2021 8:44 AM

This is an example of a stupid criminal justice system.

by Anonymousreply 5September 21, 2021 8:46 AM

Do not steal, ever. It’s a very simple concept that people need to abide by.

by Anonymousreply 6September 21, 2021 9:57 AM

He didn't, r6. The price was 2 bottles for $3.00. He paid $2.00 for one bottle, which covers $1.50 for one bottle plus tax.

by Anonymousreply 7September 21, 2021 10:02 AM

[quote]the law requires proof that the theft was an intentional crime rather than a misunderstanding over the full value of an item

I don't know how the charge even stuck in the first place, if they accepted his $2 for one bottle of soda, then calling the cops doesn't make sense.

by Anonymousreply 8September 21, 2021 10:03 AM

Your tax dollars at work.

by Anonymousreply 9September 21, 2021 11:26 AM

Get him!

- Wealthy, White-Collar Criminals Everywhere Amalgamated ( we brought you the 2008 crash, you paid for it, and now, we're even wealthier)

by Anonymousreply 10September 21, 2021 11:36 AM
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