LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. – A former drug addict and serial shoplifter has been sentenced to the Arizona Department of Corrections for a series of crimes committed in Lake Havasu City. Rafael Guido, 47, Glendale, pleaded guilty to a continuing criminal episode for shoplifting at the Lake Havasu Walmart on May 31, June 26 and July 8.
At the time of his July 8 apprehension, Lake Havasu police reported that Guido has been arrested about a dozen times for theft-related offenses within the preceding five years.
Defense attorney Daisy Mazoff conceded Guido’s extensive criminal history, but said he is committed to getting his life back on track. She offered an extensive recitation of Guido’s life history as mitigation, deserving of leniency during his Oct. 6 sentencing hearing.
Mazoff said he suffered anguish involving a family member’s sexual abuse of his eight-year-old sister, the murder of his girlfriend, his son’s attempted suicide and other life misfortunes. She also said Guido nearly died three times from overdoses and wants to maintain sobriety after three years of being fentanyl free.
Mohave County Superior Court Judge Megan McCoy imposed a 1.5-year prison term and ordered that Guido is responsible for any restitution owed to Walmart.
