18-Year Sentence for Repeat Shoplifter | Santa Fe News

A judge just handed down an 18-year prison sentence to Jason Hurd, a 45-year-old repeat shoplifter, marking the toughest punishment yet under a new law targeting organized retail crime. Convicted for stealing merchandise and possessing drugs, Hurd’s case stands out among 18 others charged since the law took effect — only four received sentences over a year, with the next longest being nine years, half suspended. His lawyer acknowledged his extensive criminal history, including property crimes and serious offenses, while noting the nonviolent nature of this crime. Prosecutors hailed the sentence as a warning to repeat offenders, emphasizing community frustration with retail theft. Other cases under the law have varied widely — from probation to short jail terms — but one woman already serving probation now faces over seven years, and another awaits sentencing with an eight-year plea deal looming. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/1a4e33cadf09e85e