KINGWOOD – A Kingwood man was sentenced to four years probation Wednesday on three felony shoplifting charges.
David Anthony Wilhelm, 33, pleaded guilty to three felony counts of third- offense shoplifting under a global plea agreement.
Wilhelm was charged with shoplifting at Tractor Supply, Dollar General, Walmart and the Tobacco Den.
The sentence for third- offense shop lifting is one- to-10 years in prison for each count and a $500 fine. Preston Circuit Judge Steven Shaffer suspended the sentence and placed Wilhelm on four years probation, including one year of home confinement.
He also ordered twice weekly drug tests and random drug tests. Wilhelm was also ordered to pay restitution to the four businesses and to get treatment for substance abuse.
Shaffer told Wilhelm he reviewed the pre-sentencing report. “You got in trouble in 2002,” Shaffer said. “From 2002 until the present you’ve been into a lot of trouble. There is some serious offenses in here,” he said referring to the pre-sentencing report.
When Shaffer asked Wilhelm why he was shoplifting he replied, “That’s how I supported my drug habit.”
“The court feels it is giving you a huge break today,” Shaffer told Wilhelm. “I hope you seize this opportunity and straighten up your life.” He ordered Wilhelm to do community service in lieu of the $1,500 fine.
