The sometimes polarizing scales of justice finally balanced at probation for Durango’s sunglasses thief.
April Wallace, 38, was sentenced to a year probation on April 4 for stealing six pairs of sunglasses and eyeglasses in July that were valued at more than $2,400.
The glasses were stolen during two separate visits to EnVision EyeCare on Main Avenue in Durango.
Wallace was on the lam for nearly four months after a warrant was issued for her arrest Aug. 1. She was arrested Nov. 30 and booked into the La Plata County Jail where she remained until posting bail Dec. 21.
La Plata County Court Judge Reid Stewart sentenced Wallace to probation as part of a plea deal. Wallace faced two misdemeanor charges, the first a class 1 misdemeanor for theft of $1,000 to $2,000 and a second class 2 misdemeanor for theft of $300 to $1,000. The 6th Judicial District Attorney’s Office dismissed the class 1 misdemeanor offense as part of the deal that had Wallace pleading guilty to the lesser charge.
Probation will include alcohol evaluation and treatment, 24 hours of community service, court costs, fines and restitution if any (to be decided within 91 days). The district attorney’s office must submit a restitution request within 60 days of the April 4 sentencing.
Wallace was no stranger to law enforcement prior to the glasses theft, according to the Durango Police Department, which reported she has a history of shoplifting, credit card fraud and drug use. In 2020, she was suspected of breaking into the Ski Barn and stealing about $1,200 worth of merchandise.
gjaros@durangoherald.com
