Hot Dog Thief to Spend 80 Years in Prison

I’ve seen the documentary style shows that tell about murderous people who go to prison for 10-20 years. I never would have thought a man could spend 80 years in prison for being a hot dog thief. If you haven’t pictured that either, then this is your day.

It seems Charles Cleveland Nowden wanted a snack back in 2009 when he went to the movies. He purchased two hot dogs, some soda, and popcorn while going to watch a movie. After all, we all like our snack while watching a movie.

The problem was that Nowden purchased those snacks with counterfeit money. That was just the beginning of his problems.

After police arrested Nowden, they found more counterfeit money on him. Things weren’t looking good. Then, when the case went to trial, prosecutors brought forth evidence that he had a history of thieving – ranging from vehicle theft to farm equipment theft. Moreover, he’s been previously convicted of bank fraud, possessing fake cigarettes, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The jury didn’t like these facts, so they sentenced him to 80 years in lockup.

I don’t know about you, but even with a checkered past, that seems pretty excessive. True, he needs to learn that crime doesn’t pay, but a few counterfeit bills being worth 80 years? I could kill someone and do less time than that! (Not that I’m suggesting it, dear reader)

What do you think? Does the crime fit the time?