Ohio judge orders shoplifters to wear T-shirts

[September 09, 2009]  WAUSEON, Ohio (AP) -- A northwest Ohio judge has added neon green T-shirts to his sentencing repertoire.

Western District Court Judge Jeff Robinson in Fulton County is requiring some defendants to wear shirts announcing "I'm a thief" while they perform court-ordered community service.

The judge said public punishment can serve as a deterrent, especially during tough economic times when theft crimes seem to rise.

The shirts have mainly been ordered for convicted shoplifters. At least one defendant offered to pay a stiffer fine instead.

___

Information from: The Blade, http://www.toledoblade.com/

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.