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

• Judge Jeffrey Clothier in Michigan is offering shoplifters an alternative punishment of washing cars instead of imposing jail time or heavy fines. The initiative aims to deter theft while helping Walmart stay in business and maintain low prices.
• The car wash sentences are part of community service and will be carried out at a Michigan Walmart.
• Clothier estimates over 75 people will serve their sentences this spring.

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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.

Walmart car wash sentences instead of jail time

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

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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.