Michigan judge using car washes to clean up act of Walmart shoplifter

A Michigan judge is turning to an unconventional punishment for those caught stealing. Instead of imposing massive fines or sending shoplifters to jail, Judge Jeffrey Clothier is offering them a chance to wash their crimes away by washing cars.

In one day last month, Clothier presided over nearly 50 retail theft cases in a state where retailers lose billions of dollars to theft each year. About 50 miles from Detroit, Michigan, many of those cases involved retail giant Walmart.

Instead of levying hefty fines or sending thieves to jail, Clothier is ordering them to serve community service in the form of washing cars at Walmart. Clothier told The Associated Press the car wash sentences help deter theft, support Walmart’s business and keep prices low.

A chance for redemption:  In Michigan, the value of stolen items can determine the amount of jail time or fines a person faces. Clothier, however, believes most people who steal aren’t inherently bad, but they still need to face consequences. He estimates more than 75 people will soon be cleaning cars as part of their sentences in the spring.

The county prosecutor supported Clothier’s approach and hopes the alternative punishment will help clean up people’s acts. Walmart is backing the initiative, providing the necessary tools for the car washes, which will be offered free of charge to the public.