DETROIT — A proposal to have shoplifters at Walmart in Michigan perform free car washes as a form of punishment has been dismissed by a judge. The plan, introduced by Judge Jeffrey Clothier, who serves on the 67th District Court in Genesee County, aimed to incorporate community service into the sentencing process for misdemeanor theft crimes.
Clothier, embodying a novel approach, believed that by involving offenders in acts of community service, like washing cars, it could benefit the community while also deterring potential future shoplifters at large retail chains such as Walmart. However, Chief Judge William Crawford II intervened and canceled the initiative, citing that such a novel form of punishment should have been reviewed and approved by senior court officials before being implemented.
Crawford elaborated that introducing alternative punishment methods needs careful consideration and should align with the accepted judicial practices. He stated, “‘Walmart Washes’ will not be taking place as reported,” underscoring the need for approval and consistency within the judicial system.
Earlier, in February, Clothier had publicly announced his innovative sentencing plan, suggesting that around 75 to 100 individuals caught shoplifting would be required to come to Grand Blanc Township, near Flint, for these services once the spring arrived. Clothier claimed he had gained initial support from Walmart’s local management for this strategy. Nonetheless, after the plan was publicized, Walmart officials at the corporation’s Arkansas headquarters expressed that they did not wish the car washes to occur on their premises.
Unfazed by this setback, Clothier sought alternative venues to carry out this community-serving initiative. However, with Crawford’s official order, this prospective plan was halted. “I’m frustrated,” Clothier admitted. “I’m still going to try to come up with a creative way to solve this problem. … I had 37 new Walmart theft offenses two days ago. In the last month, it’s been well over 100.”
Remarkably, Clothier mentioned that 20 to 30 judges across Michigan had shown interest in joining his unconventional campaign against petty theft with their willingness to participate alongside him and the shoplifting offenders. As a result of the judicial order, Clothier has now transitioned to assigning other forms of community service in place of the original car wash initiative for those misdemeanor cases related to Walmart.
