Theft is a crime and it’s a public

concern!

Dr. Mohr's claim that his shoplifting offense is a personal, private matter is a faulty one.

A personal, private matter is one that happens in one's own home or that affects only the individual involved and the individual's own family.

Shoplifting from a store open to the public is a crime against the public.

Public resources are expended when the police are called to make an arrest and any diversion program offered to defendants is funded with public monies.

It is important to note that diversion programs are available in a case where the defendant has a clean arrest record but where the prosecution's evidence will most likely result in a guilty verdict if the case goes to trial.

Furthermore, the certification and renewal processes of the State of Arizona require that the applicant answer the following question:

"Have you ever been arrested for any offense for which you were fingerprinted?"

If the answer is "yes," the applicant must attach a full statement of the offense to the application.

This means that any arrest of an educator is a public concern.

The parents of the community deserve an apology from Dr. Mohr.