"Smith was originally charged with felony theft of fish, but because it was difficult to determine whether the value met the $950 threshold for a felony, the charge was reduced to a misdemeanor grand theft count, said Jacquelyn Rodriguez, a spokeswoman for the District Attorney's Office. Only five of the roughly 85 Koi fish stolen from the Oak House Restaurant have been recovered so far. The colorful fish can sell for more than $1,000 each. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)"
"Smith, 42, pleaded guilty on Nov. 21 and was sentenced to 300 days in jail. He was given credit for 150 days time served, which by state law was doubled to 300 days. Smith was released that day, according to Superior Court records. A second person was seen with Smith in a restaurant surveillance video, but no additional arrests in the case had been announced."
David Smith pleaded guilty to grand theft for involvement in the theft of about 85 koi from the Oak House Restaurant pond. The koi have market values between $50 and $1,500, complicating felony valuation and prompting a reduction of the original felony charge to a misdemeanor grand theft count. Smith was arrested after the June 21 incident; only five fish were recovered initially. Smith, 42, was sentenced to 300 days with credit for 150 days served and was released the same day. A second person appeared in surveillance footage but no additional arrests were announced. The restaurant replenished the pond through purchases and a donation.
Read at www.pressenterprise.com
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