HARD TIME FOR SMALL THEFT
Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2003 10:28 pmA repeat offender got a life sentence for a small shoplifting caper in Jupiter, Florida. The man stole $49.73 worth of boxer shorts, sportswear and some cigarette lighters from a Wal-Mart store. His fatal mistake was flashing a knife at a security guard -- which turned his petty theft into a felony. Since the man had been released from prison less than three years ago, Florida's repeat offender law required the judge to send him away for life without the possibility of parole.