Feature Writer Romeo Edmead – An Interesting Punishment
Just in case incarceration, 10 years probation, an order to repay $255,000 in restitution and 400 hours of community service is not enough, Eloise and Daniel Mireles were lathered with humiliation, too.
The married couple from Houston, TX were also mandated to wear a sign on their backs that reads “I am a thief. I stole $255,000 from a crime victim’s fund.” This aspect of their punishment will be carried out on weekends at a busy Houston intersection, but it still was not quite the time for mercy just yet. Finally, the Mireles couple may need to make some room in front of their home for one more sign. This one will say, “The occupants of this residence are convicted thieves. They stole $250,000 from the Harris County Crime Victim’s fund. Signed, Judge Kevin Fine.”
The Mireles’ took a rather interesting root in order to find themselves in this predicament. For 16 years, Mrs. Mireles was employed by the district attorney’s office, where ironically she stole restitution money paid by convicted criminals. Although Mr. Mireles was involved in a completely different profession he took part in the crime by depositing the checks. While the criminal activity went undetected, the couple treated themselves to luxuries such as vacations, concerts, and sporting events.
Overall, the Mireles’ may have done well if you consider the maximum penalties for their offenses. Mrs. Mireles, who plead guilty to first-degree felony theft, could have received life in prison. Mr. Mireles, who plead guilty to second-degree felony theft, could have
received a 20 year sentence.
To read the original article, please go to http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/7100208.html
If the Mireles’s had no qualms about committing the crimes, what in Heaven’s name makes the judge think that they will feel humiliated by the punishment? The concept is an interesting one, but I’d love to see some research about whether it actually brings about change in criminals.