Domingo Richards should have known better, according to Magistrate Tamia Richards.
The Dominican Republic native began weeping in the defendant’s dock before he was sentenced to nine months in prison Friday for buying stolen rings from a teenager sometime between Nov. 6 and Nov. 8. Prosecutors said he purchased the two wedding bands and engagement ring, altogether valued at $7,300, for $130.
“The circumstances should have put him on inquiry to ensure they were legitimate goods,” Ms. Richards said.
The maximum sentence for theft is two years, while handling stolen goods carries a maximum punishment of five years, she added.
See the May 2, 2013 edition for full coverage.