ABQ Journal editor loses his job after shoplifting

I've gotta think for $150k, you could get a guy in there with a better resume than what he has (from what was spelled out, at least).

 

To the contrary, now I’m wondering if I’ve got a shot. Effin middle aged stud and all that. No tats though.

 

KEY INTERVIEW QUESTION: Can you navigate the self-checkout at Wal-Mart without getting arrested?

 

The guy’s story aside, anyone find it interesting that he was sentenced to 90 days in jail, with 80 suspended, for pleading guilty to misdemeanor shoplifting?

Especially if he doesn’t have much of a criminal record. Seems like a pretty harsh sentence.

 

It might have been what he wanted. At least in Rhode Island, there was a sort of sliding scale when it came to sentencing, depending on your means and background. You typically had to do some combination of community service, paying fines, serving probation or jail time, or making a "donation" to the Violent Crimes Indemnity Fund. I agree that it's unusual that he opted for jail if he's a first-time offender.

 

Much of this is odd.
1) He declines his right to counsel and goes the pro se route.
2) He gets jail time for a misdemeanor on what looks like a first offense. Perhaps a consequence of 1).
3) Changes course and hires attorney. Motion for vacated plea is rejected but then accepted a week later while the client is on day 8 of his 10-day bit?
4) Changes plea to no contest to get out of jail early.
Maybe this is common. I don’t know as I am not a lawyer.
Would love to hear any experts weigh in. Especially on the apparent severity of the jail sentence.

 

still fishy to me and some weird shit in his orbit