Jay Grossman

Hometown Life

A 29-year-old Clarkston man will serve a year in jail for stealing a Siberian husky named Kodi from a Kroger store parking lot.

Joseph S. Benson had pleaded no contest in January to a misdemeanor larceny count over $200 but less than $1,000. Appearing Thursday before 48th District Judge Marc Barron for sentencing, he apologized for his actions, but never explained what he planned to do with the dog.

“I’m sorry to the dog owners,” Benson said. “I’m sorry for any heartache I caused you, I’m sorry for any problems I caused anyone else.”

Sorry wasn’t good enough. Barron sentenced Benson to the maximum jail time based on his actions and his extensive criminal history. Court records indicate Benson has four felony convictions, three misdemeanor convictions and several parole violations out of Georgia, Ohio and Michigan.

“I surely do not think you are a viable candidate for probation,” Barron said to Benson. “And it should be noted, you stole someone’s dog.”

Kodi, who’s about a year old, was taken in mid-December from the Kroger supermarket at 4099 Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Township. Owner Chris Barnett told police he tied Kodi’s leash to a pole and went inside shopping for about 20 minutes.

Barnett spoke before the court about the heartache he felt when he exited the store and discovered his dog was missing.

“Anyone who ever owned a dog knows how quickly they become a part of the family — and Kodi was certainly a part of our family,” he said. “To our family, he’s much more valuable than a dollar amount.”

News of the missing dog quickly went viral on social media and, within a matter of days, an anonymous tipster sent Barnett’s son a Facebook message linking Benson to the crime. That information led authorities to the Independence Woods Mobile Home Community near Clarkston.

Police say Benson had moved to Michigan from Georgia a few years ago and was staying at his mother’s residence at the mobile home park. Kodi was found unharmed, but his collar containing Barnett’s name and phone number had been removed.

After the sentencing, Barnett said he was glad to see the case resolved. In addition to the jail time, Benson was ordered to pay $275 in court fees.

“I’m satisfied with the verdict and I want to thank the media and everyone else for all their support in helping to get Kodi back,” he said.

jgrossman@hometownlife.com

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