DADDY, DON'T STEAL

During David Lee Cleland's burglary sentencing on September 22, Kalamazoo Circuit Judge Janet Lightvoet was torn between handing down Michigan's traditional punishment (seven months in jail), or crafting a clever solution of her own. In the end, after considering the defendant's six previous felony convictions, his still pending misdemeanor fraud case (he allegedly drove off without paying for gas), and his rocky heroin addiction, Judge Lightvoet decided she had just the thing: a written reminder not to commit crimes.

"Daddy, don't steal," the message reads. The words mirror advice given defendant David Lee Cleland by his six year old son, words Cleland shared with the judge during his sentencing. Lightvoet seized upon the words and ordered they be written or taped on Cleland's arm for the next seven months.

Satisfied that wearing words will do the trick, the judge sent Cleland on his way. "I don't want to see you here again unless you're visiting," Lightvoet said. She also ordered four years of probation and required Cleland to acquire a GE degree.