CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield man was sentenced to time in county jail after pleading guilty to stealing from a former employer.
Jeffrey Shipley, 27, was sentenced to seven five years of probation on the stipulation that he serve eight months in Clearfield County Jail on a charge of crminal solicitation to commit theft by unlawful taking.. He was ordered to pay fines and costs, refrain from the use of alcohol or controlled substances nor enter any such place that serves alcohol and is not to enter onto the property of J.G. Food Warehouse. Shipley was also sentenced to another probationary period on a charge of receiving stolen property. Shipley was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $249.95 to J.G. Food Warehouse.
According to court documents Clearfield Borough Police and the J.G. Food Warehouse were aware of merchandise being stolen and inventory shortages. The store manager had recovered a note found on the floor that appears to have been orders people made for tobacco products and payment amounts.
Police reviewed surveillance tapes which showed several employees of the night shift stealing tobacco products on Jan. 8 Caught on tape were Freyer, Shipley and Leigey.
Freyer was a night clerk at the time, and was observed taking two rolls of snuff, a pack of cigarettes. When questioned by police Freyer admitted to taking the cigarettes for about every other day in a two-week timespan. He said that he saw Leigey and Shipley take stuff from the store, Shipley in bags and Leigey on his days off. He said that Shipley had people come and get stuff. He also told officers that Leigey would come in and take food on his days off. He also noted that Leigey had his girlfriend, Watkins, take stuff as well.
Shipley was a night clerk and was observed taking a roll of snuff and five cartons of cigarettes. Shipley told police that he was guilty of stealing food and the tobacco for another employee for money. He added that he had stolen a number of cartons and sold them to Leigey. He said he also took milk, bread, cereal soaps and floor cleaner.
Leigey was the night boss and was observed on tape watching Shipley remove cigarettes and snuff from behind the counter. Leigey told police that he had taken groceries and had paid Shipley for cigarettes. Leigey admitted to stealing cat litter and Reese’s Cups. Leigey said that one time he took a New York strip steak and fries for dinner. He said that he had seen both Shipley and Freyer take items from the store.
Leigey told police that he had not taken from the store the entire time he worked there. He said that he and Watkins had been having problems buying food and cigarettes because they have their own apartment and have to pay bills.
On Jan. 8, 2008 Anthony Freyer, an accomplice in the case, was sentenced to 90 days in CCJ and two years probation on the charge of theft by unlawful taking. He was also ordered to pay restitution to J.G. Food Warehouse in the amount $99.90, and to serve 50 hours community service.
On the Summary offense of retail theft, a fine of $210.00 plus costs.
On May 8, 2007, Brian Leigey, the third accomplice in the case, was sentenced to the State Correctional Institution in Albion for 90 days to two years consecutive to a prior sentence. He was also ordered to refrain from alcohol nor to enter establishment that serves alcohol and to pay restitution to J.G. Food Warehouse in the amount of $207.80.
Some of the items that were taken included cat litter, cat toys, bagels, snuff, cigarettes, candy and more.
Three people spoke on Shipley’s behalf. They noted that Shipley had changed since the incident and how he helped them in their day-to-day lives. Shipley apologized, saying that he made a mistake and that he was trying to change.
President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman noted Shipley’s prior record in his sentencting.
“What does it take to get through to this guy,” asked Ammerman, who also noted that he was “disgusted.”