Michigan judge’s plan for Walmart shoplifters to clean cars was blocked by his superior.

DETROIT – A Michigan judge has thrown cold water on a plan to have Walmart shoplifters wash cars as a consequence for their misdemeanor crime.

Judge Jeffrey Clothier, recently appointed to the 67th District Court in Genesee County, made an unconventional suggestion regarding punishment for shoplifters. He proposed that shoplifters be tasked with providing free car washes to benefit the community and potentially deter others from committing theft at the major retail store.

But Chief Judge William Crawford II overruled him, saying the junior jurist first should have sought approval from him and other court officials.

In response to the public’s reaction to this unique proposal, Crawford emphasized that such alternative punishments differ from the norm. He clarified that the concept of “Walmart Washes” will not be implemented, as stated in a release issued on Friday.

The judge gained attention in February when reports surfaced that he intended to require 75 to 100 individuals convicted of shoplifting to return to Grand Blanc Township, close to Flint, to engage in free car washing activities once the spring season arrived.

He said he had the endorsement of local store managers. But after hearing about the plan, officials at Walmart headquarters in Arkansas told him they didn’t want the car washes to be offered on store property.

Undeterred, the judge figured he would simply find another site for soap, water, buckets and towels. With Crawford’s order, however, the car wash is finished.

“I’m frustrated,” Clothier said. “I’m still going to try to come up with a creative way to solve this problem. … I had 37 new Walmart theft offenses two days ago. In the last month, it’s been well over 100.”

He said 20 to 30 judges around Michigan who heard about the car wash pledged to join the bucket brigade with him and the shoplifters.

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