Web Desk
A Michigan judge’s unconventional plan to punish Walmart shoplifters by having them wash cars for free has been scrapped by a higher court.
Judge Jeffrey Clothier of the 67th District Court in Genesee County proposed the unique sentence, believing that public car washes would benefit the community and deter others from stealing.
His plan involved ordering 75 to 100 shoplifters to return to Grand Blanc Township, near Flint, for the car washes once spring arrived.
However, Chief Judge William Crawford II overruled Clothier’s idea, stating that the judge should have first gained approval from him and other court officials.
“This is especially true where the proposed alternative punishment deviates from the usual and accepted methods,” Crawford said in a Friday statement, adding, “‘Walmart Washes’ will not be taking place as reported.”
Clothier initially claimed he had the support of local Walmart managers. But when the company’s Arkansas headquarters learned about the plan, they rejected the idea of using store property for the car washes.
Despite Walmart’s refusal, Clothier remained determined, suggesting he would find a new location for the car washes. However, with Crawford’s decision, the plan is officially scrapped.
Frustrated by the ruling, Clothier expressed his commitment to finding alternative solutions. “I’m still going to try to come up with a creative way to solve this problem,” he said.
He highlighted the growing issue of retail theft, revealing that he recently handled 37 new Walmart theft cases in just two days and over 100 in the past month.
Interestingly, Clothier mentioned that 20 to 30 judges across Michigan had expressed interest in joining him in the car wash initiative, showing broader support for creative sentencing methods.
The debate now continues over how to balance crime deterrence with effective, community-based punishments.
