CLEVELAND — A Cleveland teen who admitted to stealing a puppy worth $6,500 from a Parma pet store will spend six months behind bars and is barred from owning any pets.
Markeze Williams, 18, was sentenced Thursday to six months in jail and one year of probation, one day after he took a deal and pleaded guilty to aggravated theft and obstructing justice.
In March, Williams was arrested in connection to the theft of an Old English bulldog from a Petland store. Surveillance video showed the 18-year-old enter one of the store's socialization rooms and leave about a minute later with the dog tucked under his arm. Police said Williams did not have the puppy with him at the time of his arrest and "refused to cooperate in providing any details as to the animal’s whereabouts."
Williams is now banned from entering any Petland stores, owning any pets or companion animals and having any contact with pet breeders. In addition to court fines and fees, he was ordered to pay $500 in restitution to the Petland store.