A repeat offender who was found guilty of Grand Larceny following a jury trial has been adjudicated as a habitual criminal and sentenced to more than 12 years in prison. James Padgett (dob 1/9/72) will be eligible for parole after five years.
Padgett was arrested after stealing from the Sparks Safeway six times in a six-month period, totaling at least $1,825 in theft. This case began in February of last year, when the store’s loss prevention staff noticed him stealing and were able to identify Padgett from prior thefts from their location, in which he was convicted. While the February theft was being investigated, Padgett continued to enter the store and steal on five additional visits, between March and July. In July, Sparks Police found Padgett while conducting a traffic stop and arrested him.
Deputy District Attorney Rebecca Koss prosecuted the case, and at sentencing argued for the habitual criminal sentence, citing Padgett’s extensive background. He has had 26 misdemeanor convictions, 2 gross misdemeanor convictions, and 6 felony convictions prior to this case.
