SENTENCES FOR MAJOR THEFTS
Two men, still in their teens, pled guilty to major thefts in this week’s session of the 21st district court. Assistant District Attorney Eric Berg said both Colby Alan Barham age 17 and Deadrius Dewayne Walker, aged 18 and both from Old Washington County, were caught committing the type of thefts that had become so common local law enforcement officers were on the lookout for them.
Berg said Barham was caught stealing nearly $2500 worth of copper from a business in the county in May. Judge Carson Campbell sentenced him to four years deferred adjudication, a $1500 fine and ordered him to pay the $2417 in restitution.
Berg said that Brenham police were on giving close attention to suspects committing tire and rim thefts in November of last year when Deandrius Dewayne Walker was caught taking tires off an older model Buick in the 800 block of East Stone. Brenham police searched his car and found the stolen tires and rims and tools to make such type of thefts.
Judge Campbell also sentenced Walker to four years deferred adjudication, ordered him to pay a $1500 fine, and he must also perform 160 hours of community service.
Berg said even though these sentences are deferred adjudication probations, meaning that once the sentence is served, the offense is taken off their record, they were still convicted and will continue to suffer the consequences of their actions. He says that is the most difficult message to get across to young offenders, especially those who commit crimes of theft.
Berg says he has regularly spoken to youth and school groups on the need to stay away from a life of crime and hopes the message is getting across. He notes for instance that once a person is convicted of a theft it is almost impossible to work in any business in which they would handle money