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Sentence for stealing check from employer

A Ravenswood, W.Va. man was sentenced to the SEPTA Correctional Facility and five years of community control in Washington County Common Pleas Court on Friday for stealing a check from a woman  for whom he was doing construction work.

Joseph W. Young, 34, of 574 Jessie Run Road, Ravenswood, W.Va., was sentenced to one count of theft of a check, a fifth-degree felony, and one count of burglary, a third-degree felony.

Young, along with being sentenced to the SEPTA program, was also sentenced to eight months in the Washington County Jail for the eight months he had already served. Thus, his remaining sentence was reduced to the couple of weeks it takes to fill out and submit the SEPTA paperwork.

Washington County Public Defender Randall Jedlink said Young said he stole the check because he was not paid as he should have been.

“He helped for two weeks and wasn’t paid like he was supposed to,” said Jedlink. “So he took the check.”

The stolen check was for $157.34 and the crime was automatically a felony because checks are considered to be special property.

Young was caught after trying to cash the check at the Vienna Walmart. He entered into a plea agreement on July 29 and pleaded guilty.

During the sentencing, Washington County Assistant Prosecutor Amy Graham said that SEPTA would be an appropriate sentencing for Young, who had spent seven years in prison in West Virginia prior to the eight months spent in the Washington County Jail.

Jedlink agreed and stated that the defendant wanted to request a few days before entering the SEPTA program to gather clothing items.

“He’s looking forward to this chance to get into SEPTA,” said Jedlink. “He requests a day or two furlough to get a jacket and shoes.”

Young also wished to make a statement before receiving his sentence.

“I would like to spend one day with my 18-month-old who I haven’t spent any time with,” he said, adding that he just wanted a couple of days to get his things in order before going to the SEPTA Correctional Facility.

Washington County Common Pleas Court Judge Ed Lane did not address his request.

SEPTA is a five-month residential program that helps drug users overcome their addiction. After the first 30 days, residents are able to receive a work release, but must still stay the night and attend sessions at the facility.

“Mr. Young, you are clearly — if I look at your record, it’s non-violent, but all theft related,” said Lane. “To me, you were stealing to buy drugs.”

Young stated that in the past, that was the case, but this time was different.

“Initially, yes I was,” he responded. “But last time it was about the baby.”

After delivering his sentence, Lane noted that he felt that it was time to give him a chance at recovery.

“You’ve been in for seven years — I think it’s time that the system gets you rehabilitated,” said Lane. “If we haven’t got your attention by now, then you’ll probably spend the rest of your life in prison.”

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