Chapter 8
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10:23 am
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We arrived back at the station. It was quiet, for the moment.
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11 am.
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Bill and I went to the local diner for lunch. The owner was grateful to have cops come in for lunch, felt people were less likely to steal from him if they thought cops were here. Police officers are required to inform their captain before they take their lunch hour. Sometimes it's a slow day and cops can have lunch early. Other days it can be busy, and we don't eat until 3 pm or later. This day lunch was unexpectedly cut short.
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11;22
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While Bill and I were eating lunch a young man named Ricky came into the diner. Three years ago Bill and I arrested Ricky for stealing from this diner, he was 16 and did it to impress his friends. Because of his age Ricky was given probation and community service. He came up to us and surrendered.
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Ricky: Remember me officers.
Bill: I remember you Ricky, you were arrested for stealing from this diner three years ago.
Ricky: I want to turn myself in.
Joe: Okay, what exactly are you turning yourself in for?
Ricky: My father and me, we got into an argument a few weeks ago, and I left.
Joe: Where have you been staying?
Ricky: A local hostel. I've been supporting myself by stealing from my father's store. Televisions mostly, and selling them cheap, mostly to immigrants. But I want to go home, see my family again. Am I going to jail?
Bill: We can't make any guarantee one way or another. But the fact that you turned yourself in, that usually helps.
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We got the rest of our food in a doggie bag and brought Ricky to the station for booking.
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12:34
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Ricky's father Jerry came to see him.
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Jerry: Officers please, I don't want my son to go to jail. He stole from me yes, I don't want to press charges.
Joe: Did you know it was your son who was stealing those televisions?
Jerry: No. I suspected others, I owe some of my employees an apology. Rest assured I will give them a big bonus to make up for being obnoxious.
Bill: Did you file an insurance claim on these thefts?
Jerry: Yes, which I will rescind on Monday. They're closed for the holidays but I've already sent them an e-mail. Could they press charges against Ricky?
Joe: They can.
Jerry: I'm willing to compensate them for their losses, and whatever restitution they might consider fair.
Bill: Have you ever thought maybe the problem was you spoiled your son? My father, when I was 16 he got me a used car, "Used is being modest." We worked on it the whole summer, in some ways it was the best summer of my life. I did the same thing with my son, taught him about responsibility too.
Jerry: I understand what you're saying officer, but he's my son. I can't just let him go to jail.
Bill: How about some consequences? Like make him work at your store for free to pay back what he stole.
Jerry: That's a good idea. Starting Monday, he will work at the store for free, pay me back. And I will make restitution to the insurance company.
Joe: One more thing. Now I can't make any guarantee or force you to do this. Three days ago two patrol officers were working this case, and they pulled over a couple with a television set. It seems that their car matched the description of your son's car, which was the best lead they had. The officers were rude and the couple felt that they were singled out because they were roma. These officers were reprimanded for their rudeness, but your son's actions hurt them. Maybe he thought he wasn't hurting anyone except the father he has issues with, and maybe taking money from a faceless insurance company, he didn't think they might hurt others, but it did.
Jerry: You want my son to apologize to this couple?
Joe: I can't make any guarantees, but if your son shows genuine remorse for his crimes, judges usually look more favorably on those defandants.
Jerry: I understand what you're saying officers. I will talk to him, and I will try and convince him to apologize to this couple. I supposse I will need you to help coordinate this. But can I please take my boy home for Christmas?
Bill: That's up to the judge. Your son's arraignment is in an hour. It's unlikely that the judge will consider Ricky a danger to the community or a flight risk. But you should talk with his lawyer. Ricky's 19 so he can plead guilty or not guilty on his own. You tell the judge your plan to give him consequences for his actions, he's less likely to sentence him to prison.
Jerry: Thank you for your help officers. I will do everything I can to make sure this is the last time you arrest him.