Man accused of stealing $170,000 cash in a suitcase from Walmart
Jeremiah Peacey and Chrystal Himmelright
His comments at a settlement conference provide hints of the possible legal defense for the Kingman man accused of stealing a suitcase full of cash he found unattended at the local Walmart last summer. Jeremiah Peacey, 40, is charged with theft and trafficking in stolen property.
“Who has $170,000 that they just carry around in a briefcase,” Judge Billy Sipe stated rhetorically, reflecting a question that surfaced early in the case.
“Exactly,” Peacey responded.
That exchange, and other portions of the hearing, revealed that Peacey is apparently claiming the suitcase did not contain that amount of money. It was noted that authorities recovered about a third of the money during a search of his home, and while the state believes Peacey has the rest of the money stashed, Peacey maintains he has no money to pay restitution sought by the prosecutor.
Police have said that the Valle Vista woman who left the suitcase at Walmart was an entrepreneur who didn’t trust banks and kept her cash to herself.
“It’s just outrageous to assume that kind of money was in that bag,” Judge Sipe said. But he also said that Peacey is not entitled to any “finders-keepers” claim and that it is hard for him to disprove the loss of $170,000.”
“You are kind of at the mercy of what the victim says was in that briefcase,” Sipe told Peacey. “The defendant puts himself in a bad position when you decide to steal something.”
Sipe detailed separate plea agreements offered for Peacey who faces a maximum of 12.5 years in prison if convicted at trial of theft and trafficking in stolen property. The first deal would mandate a prison term between 5 to 12 years.
“I don’t imagine there would be any reason for you to accept that offer,” Sipe said, noting it exposes him to as nearly much prison time as would be the case if he was convicted at trial.
“I agree your Honor,” Peacey said.
The second plea offer provides opportunity for probation rather than prison, but it requires Peacey to swiftly pay almost $57,000 more than the $63,200 that was reportedly recovered during a search of his home.
Public Defender Weston Meeth told the Court that Peacey wants a probation eligible deal but cannot meet the restitution requirement.
A June 24 trial is scheduled for Peacey should no plea bargain be struck. His wife, Chrystal Himmelright, is charged with trafficking in stolen property. A motion to join the defendants in a single prosecution is pending for Court ruling.
