Shoplifting Suspect Faces Felony Charges

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Suspected third offense
Posted: 1:36 PM Jan 13, 2009
Last Updated: 1:38 PM Jan 13, 2009
Reporter: Gary Smollen
Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com

19 comments

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A Fremont man convicted on two previous occasions for shoplifting is arrested once again. This time, 25-year-old Jason Hinkle faces felony charges.

Investigators say he was caught Sunday trying to steal jeans from the Wal-Mart at 128th and L in Omaha.

Store security officers told police Hinkle and another man took a pair of jeans from the rack to the fitting rooms. While there, according to the police report, the suspect put the jeans in a plastic shopping bag, then tried to leave the store.

Hinkle was arrested during a struggle with store security. The other man got away.

Police were called and after a search found not only the jeans, but camera software in the suspect's pocket and discovered the leather jacket he was wearing still had tags on it.

Hinkle was convicted of shoplifting in October 1996 and September 1998.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: t on Jan 14, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Sorry, Mrs Hinkle. A lot of people who have had rough lives never resort to stealing from others. And I seriously doubt he went 10 yrs without stealing. He just didn't get caught. Stop making excuses for your son. You're not helping him.

Posted by: Jenna on Jan 14, 2009 at 11:38 AM
While I think he should be punished, but I would rather see these felonies being slapped on violent criminals. Like the 16 year olds committing armed robberies. But no they get slaps on the wrists because they are "juveniles" and see no real punishment, so they are back on the street committing the same crimes as adults. I mean I guess I have mixed opinions. I just think felony is a little harsh for shoplifting, like we put a higher price tag on "things" than human lives....

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 13, 2009 at 11:13 PM
If the jails are too crowded, then just hang him.

Posted by: TO HIS MOTHER! on Jan 13, 2009 at 10:54 PM
To J. Hinkle's Mother: ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? No matter how difficult his life was, NOTHING warrants stealing! How was his life so rough that he had to steal camera software??? Come on! I had a VERY difficult life growing up (Still do), and I have never stolen a thing in my life! Stop making excuses for him and maybe he wouldn't be this way!!!!

Posted by: Dan on Jan 13, 2009 at 10:25 PM
It is funny how everybody says throw the book at him send him to jail. (I agree) but I have the sence to know that our already overcrowding prisons would be way overcrowed. And the same people that complain about judges not throwing the book at theives are the same ones who do not want a prison in their back yard or the higher taxes to pay for them. Unfortantly we live in a time where the criminals are winning and we are all sitting back complaining and blaming everyone but ourselfs.

Posted by: j. hinkle on Jan 13, 2009 at 06:17 PM
this is his mom and he had a good role model he has had a bad life till u walk in his shoes dont judge him only god judge one so please dont judge him till u know the whole story

Posted by: fed up on Jan 13, 2009 at 04:29 PM
Let's make an example of him. Let's show these law breaking punks we're not going to let them back on the streets until they learn a lesson. How about 3 strikes, you're out. Life in prison. Still want to steal that stuff???

Posted by: mike on Jan 13, 2009 at 03:57 PM
I'm glad it was caught. It shouldn't be allowed to walk among the rest of us.

Posted by: John Q on Jan 13, 2009 at 03:41 PM
Well, at least he wasn't brandishing a firearm or shooting innocent clerks. Kudos for stealing/robbing the friendly way! Of course, after a brief stint in prison he'll learn the not-so-friendly way.

Posted by: b on Jan 13, 2009 at 03:17 PM
Please follow this case through the court process. The charge will soon be reduced to a misdemeanor and he will get a slap on the wrist. Then he will steal again, same story repeated.

Posted by: cindy on Jan 13, 2009 at 02:55 PM
If you do the math, he was only 12 or 13 when he was caught first and then maybe 15 when he got caught again. I am wondering where his parents or other role models were? This 25 year never learned anything different

Posted by: amazed on Jan 13, 2009 at 02:04 PM
with walmarts already cheap prices why do people think they need to steal? if the thefts continue walmart will be forced to raise prices, hire less employees.. think you wait in line long now???

Posted by: RM on Jan 13, 2009 at 01:54 PM
The second time should rate a felony charge if they are an adult. Time to get tougher on the criminals.

Posted by: dan on Jan 13, 2009 at 12:36 PM
i work theft prevention and there are no cameras in the changing room but there are in the hallways and all around area

Posted by: CS on Jan 13, 2009 at 12:33 PM
The stupidity of some people just amazes me. Who is dumb enough to think that Walmart doesn't have cameras and security operating them??? Uh, look up towards the ceiling idiot, big brother is always watching and is all over the store!!! What a moron.

Posted by: OmahaAnnie on Jan 13, 2009 at 11:26 AM
Who are these people? No values or morals anymore.

Posted by: Dan on Jan 13, 2009 at 11:12 AM
WOW, he made it 10 years without getting caught.

Posted by: t on Jan 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM
It's illegal to have cameras in actual fitting room, but most retailers will have cameras placed so the customers going in and out can be watched. Also, Walmart has people at their fitting rooms that count the number of garments you take in and what you bring out.

Posted by: ??? on Jan 13, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Are there cameras in the fitting room or they are just saying that because he walked in with them and out without them? Scary.