'Unrepentant' Recidivist Shoplifter Gets 4th Felony Conviction

NEWBURGH, NY — Prosecutors say an incorrigible shoplifter will spend time behind bars after his most recent felony conviction.

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that 31-year-old Johnathan Arnold, of Newburgh, was sentenced on Thursday to two to four years in prison, the maximum sentence available, after having been convicted of fourth degree grand larceny. This was Arnold's fourth felony conviction.

According to court documents, on November 12, 2023 at 8:40 p.m., Arnold entered the Kohl's store in the Town of Newburgh. Once inside, he headed for the men's athletic department, selected several items totaling approximately $1,600, and hid the items in a black bag. Arnold then left the store, passing all points of sale without paying, got into a car and fled.

Store employees gave police a description of the vehicle, which the police found with Arnold and the stolen items inside. Before being captured, Arnold had changed his clothing in an effort to avoid detection.

"Unrepentant recidivists are the primary drivers of crime and incarceration is the appropriate sanction," Hoovler said. "Shoplifting is far from a victimless crime. Retail theft results not only in untold losses to businesses but creates difficult and often dangerous situations for workers and shoppers. My Office has committed to working with our partners in the retail industry, including the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, to enhance the ability to prevent retail crime where possible and to hold accountable those who commit these offenses. We will continue to pursue all avenues of disrupting such criminal behavior, particularly by prosecuting and, where appropriate, seeking incarceration for repeat offenders."

The district attorney thanked the Town of Newburgh Police Department for their investigation and the arrest of Arnold. Hoovler also thanked the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during the investigation.

District Attorney Hoovler highly commended Assistant District Attorney Emily Worden who prosecuted the case.