Saturday Surprise

When I first saw the title of this article, my thought was "WHAT???" I knew I had to read it. I figured it was some weird loophole. What I didn't expect was how the story would touch my heart. So instead of Stupid Criminal Saturday, today, I'm declaring today Heart Warming Saturday!

Maryland man who stole, crashed plane to pay just $40

By: Associated Press,

FREDERICK, Md. — A homeless man caused about $12,000 in damage when he stole and crashed a single-engine airplane at a Maryland airport — but he’ll pay just $40 in restitution.

Frederick County Circuit Judge G. Edward Dwyer Jr. expressed surprise Thursday upon learning of the small amount.

Dwyer asked: “Only $40?”

Prosecutors explained that insurance had paid for all the damage except for a $40 deductible.

Fifty-one-year-old Calvin C. Cox has served half of his nine-month sentence for the December theft. His lawyer has said Cox stole the plane because he was homeless and cold.

At sentencing in April, Dwyer authorized work release for Cox so he could earn money to pay restitution to the plane’s owner, Mid Atlantic Soaring Associates Corp.

This story seriously makes me want to cry! Here's a homeless man who stole a plane in order to keep warm. Yeah, so trying to fly the plane probably wasn't the best decision. But instead of having to pay the entire $12,000 in damage, he only has to pay the $40 deductible? AND the judge arranged a job for him to be able to make the money? There IS still good in the world!