Submitted by Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger
Burgen was standing trial for an alleged armed robbery committed in 2009, but had some time to kill during the luncheon recess. Permitted to stroll through the quaint southern town while still enjoying his bail bond, Burgen took a fancy to a watch in a local jewelry store. Entering the store and seeing the counter momentarily unattended, he took the opportunity to reach over and add new meaning to the retail practice of “self-serve.” He got the Rolex and also grabbed about $30,000.00 in diamond bracelets.
On his way to the street, he was accosted by an employee who noticed the watch in his hand. Remorsefully, he handed it over and apologized profusely. So much so, that the tender-hearted employee forgave the indiscretion and sent him on his way without reviewing the diamond stock. Returning to the counter she was horrified at her generosity and summoned the police.
Surveillance tapes told the story and the search was on for Burgen. The police really didn’t have to look very far as Burgen had stashed the loot in the bushes near the courthouse and returned in time to finish up the trial in which his innocence to the 2009 charge was loudly and forcefully argued. The Franklin police did catch up with Burgen seconds after the guilty verdict was read, however.
“You would think he would be on his best behavior, but this guy I guess just can’t contain himself,” said store owner, Mike Walton. Police Sergeant Charles Warner was no less puzzled. “This is one of those compelling stories that leaves you scratching your head, and as you’re walking away asking yourself, ‘Did that really just happen?'” he said.
Source: msnbc
~Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger