Michigan Judge Attempts To Convert Walmart Shoplifters To Pro Bono Car Washers: 'I Wouldn't Want Any Of These Near My Car'

A Michigan judge is making headlines for his unconventional approach to justice, turning Walmart shoplifters into makeshift car washers. However, his boss is pumping the brakes on the well-intentioned plan for the misdemeanor offenders to clean cars as a form of punishment. 

This Walmart story lightens the heart compared to last year's tragedy when a 19-year-old employee was tragically found dead inside a walk-in oven, leading to the closure of the store.

Judge Jeffrey Clothier had hoped to make petty thieves work for their redemption, handing them sponges and buckets as a unique form of punishment. 

However, Chief Judge William Crawford II quickly put a stop to the initiative, ruling that such an alternative sentence needed higher approval before implementation.

Crawford made it clear, "'Walmart Washes' will not be taking place as reported," emphasizing that the court must adhere to standard sentencing practices.

AP reports that despite the setback, Clothier remains determined to find a creative solution to the growing shoplifting problem, citing a staggering 100-plus theft cases in just the past month. Though the car wash idea is dead, he now plans to assign other forms of community service instead.

Clothier's attempt to curb shoplifting by ordering thieves to wash cars in a Walmart parking lot was met with fierce criticism from the public. The car washes were meant to be free, serving as both a deterrent and a community benefit. But online, the response was overwhelmingly negative.

Critics quickly flooded the comments section under a February report on the plan, rejecting the idea outright. Many expressed skepticism and outright disdain, with one bluntly stating, "I wouldn't want any of these near my car, tbh." 

Others mocked the concept, warning that it could backfire. One sarcastically posted, "Breaking: Large uptick in thefts from vehicles," while another quipped, "What could possibly go wrong!"

More direct critics argued for traditional sentencing, with one user insisting, "Or you can use the justice system we already have in place and just sentence them to prison time." Another warned, "Touch my Porsche with your grubby wash mitt, and we gonna have words."

Beyond the recent Walmart controversy, the retail giant faced another shocking incident last year when an employee in a branch in Canada was tragically found dead inside a walk-in bakery oven.

The Blast reported that the devastating incident took place on October 19 2024, at the Walmart located at 6990 Mumford Road in Halifax.  

According to the statement, "A 19-year-old woman employed at the store was found deceased. Investigators are working closely with Occupational Health and Safety and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service to determine the cause and manner of death."

An update was provided days later, confirming that the employee was found inside the large industrial oven.

While police did not confirm whether foul play was involved, they emphasized that "the investigation is complex and involves several partner agencies. An investigation of this nature may take a significant amount of time."

In the wake of the devastating incident at a Walmart in Canada, authorities pleaded with the public to refrain from jumping to conclusions about the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The Halifax Regional Police urged people in a second statement to avoid spreading unverified information, emphasizing the potential harm that speculation could cause.

"Please be aware of the impacts that speculation could have on family, colleagues, and loved ones of the woman," the statement read.

The message follows the similar words Constable Martin Cromwell had previously told reporters. At the time, he encouraged patience, reminding the public that the investigation was still ongoing.

Walmart also expressed deep sorrow following the tragic death of the 19-year-old, who was later revealed to be a member of the Sikh community. In a statement released on October 23, 2024, Walmart spokesperson Amanda Moss shared that the loss devastated the company.

"Our deepest thoughts are with our associate and their family. Our focus remains on taking care of our associates and making sure they have the support they need," Moss stated.

She also acknowledged the complexity of the case, noting that authorities were still investigating, adding, "Our store will be closed until further notice." However, Moss did not confirm whether the young woman had been working at the time of her passing.

Despite the backlash and the shutdown of his plan, Judge Clothier remains determined to find a new solution to Walmart's rising shoplifting problem.