An 18-year-old York County man was sentenced to five years in prison, with all but one month suspended, for shoplifting thousands of dollars worth of items from Walmart.
Adam Joel Figueroa pleaded guilty to felony shoplifting in June and appeared again before Judge Rich Rizk at the York-Poquoson Courthouse on Tuesday for sentencing.
Figueroa and his girlfriend, Ashley Marilyn Lemaster, were accused of stealing televisions, sound bars, DVDs and clothing from the Walmart on East Rochambeau Drive in January 2015.
Both Figueroa and Lemaster were arrested when YPSO received a tip from someone who saw the suspects posting photos of electronics for sale on the Williamsburg Trash and Treasure Facebook page, which acts as a forum for locals to post items they wish to sell or are looking to buy.
Figueroa’s attorney, Stephen K. Smith, argued Rizk should withhold a finding of guilt and continue the case a year from now, during which time Figueroa would have the opportunity to prove his commitment to living the life of a law-abiding citizen. That course of action would also have allowed Figueroa to possibly avoid having a felony charge on his record.
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Krystyn Reid objected to the idea of continuing the case on the grounds that Figueroa stole such a substantial amount from Walmart.
Rizk sided with the prosecution, noting Figueroa is also facing shoplifting charges in James City County for an incident that occurred while he was out on bond for the York County crime.
After his monthlong jail sentence, Figueroa will face a probation period that is not to exceed 10 years, during which time he is required to retain full-time employment.
He also must pay back $100 per month in restitution to Walmart – up to a total of $5,948 – the burden of which will be shared between himself and Lemaster, if she is found guilty. He is also banned from Walmarts in York County.
Related Coverage:
