Son's advice becomes dad's sentence for stealing

[September 24, 2008]  KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) -- A judge has decided the best punishment for a man found guilty of stealing should be to take his son's words to heart -- and wear them on his sleeve. Kalamazoo County circuit Judge Pamela Lightvoet ordered Daniel Cleland, 27, Monday to write or tape the words "Daddy, don't steal" on his arm or hand for seven months.

The idea came from Cleland's comments before sentencing, when he told the judge about his 6-year-old's sage advice.

The Kalamazoo Gazette reported Lightvoet had considered sentencing Cleland to 7 months in jail on a felony charge of retail fraud. He also faces a misdemeanor retail fraud charge and has at least six previous felony convictions.

Cleland said he's trying to get out of "a really big hole." Lightvoet said it's his last chance to avoid jail.

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Information from: Kalamazoo Gazette, http://www.mlive.com/kzgazette/

[Associated Press]

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