Washington D.C. native Shawn Hunter, 28, is facing hefty charges after a sticky-fingered shopping spree at a local Target landed him an indictment for second-degree theft with a nasty kicker – this isn't his first rodeo. The U.S. Attorney's Office, along with the MPD’s top brass, announced that Hunter's alleged five-finger discount antics on February 27 at the Connecticut Avenue Target could cost him more than he bargained for due to prior convictions that pump up the penalty.
Hunter, previously familiar with the justice system thanks to his history of light-fingered activities, was corralled and nabbed by the MPD post-haste after his latest alleged heist; the indictment, dished out by a D.C. grand jury and spotlighted on March 20, carries a mandatory one-year incarceration per count – and that could just be for starters. With a resume that features two or more theft-related blemishes, Hunter's latest brush with the law could land him a longer stay in the clink, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
In a city that's no stranger to crime, Hunter's indictment is part of a broader crackdown; since September last year, the D.C. area has seen the justice system swing its gavel 36 times on felony second-degree theft charges involving defendants with multiple past theft convictions. The aisles of justice may be wide, but for repeat offenders like Hunter, the checkout lane is closed.
The MPD and U.S. Attorney's Office, fronted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Campbell, are the duo behind the investigation and prosecution – taking a stand to ensure that individuals who treat retail shops like personal pantries without paying the price are held accountable under the full weight of the law. As Hunter prepares for his day in court, the outcome of his arraignment might just add another item to the shelf of cautionary tales for those who think they can dip into the city's retail without ringing up at the register.
