Horror of a $24 Crime and a Prison Punishment

I was greatly distressed by the mention of an elderly gentleman who was imprisoned 41 years ago for stealing $24 (“Images Locked in Time,” Oct. 2). I admit that I do not know much about his case, but if this is the only crime that he committed, then certainly he has more than paid for his misdeed. We have young people going in and out of jail on second and third strikes, given chance after chance to redeem themselves, and here is a man who has spent these many years in jail for a petty theft that 30 days should have taken care of.

KATHLEEN BUHARP

Apple Valley