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Sarnia man jailed three months for series of heists

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Veteran Sarnia criminal defence lawyer Robert McFadden used a colourful literary analogy to describe his client, Mackenzie Kozlof.

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“He’s been living like the Artful Dodger for a number of years,” he said Thursday to a Sarnia judge.

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Similar to the fictional character in Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist, Kozlof gravitated to a life of petty thefts. But in the 24-year-old Sarnia resident’s case, there is an underlying issue: drugs.

“He was feeding a habit and didn’t care. He just had to get money so he could get more drugs,” McFadden explained.

Kozlof pleaded guilty Thursday from the Sarnia Jail to multiple charges, many linked to theft with a value less than $5,000. He was sentenced to three months in jail and probation and ordered to pay back the value of what he took.

Between November 2019 and April 21, 2021, he fled six Sarnia stores with stolen goods. The victimized shops included three convenience stores, a gas station, and two chain retailers.

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The heists were fairly similar: grabbing a handful of items, such as lottery tickets, and fleeing.

“Every one of these establishments he was on video and it was very easy for the police to identify who the culprit was,” McFadden said.

One of the convenience store owners said Kozlof was a regular there, but he wanted him charged and banned from the property.

“He also advised this has been an extreme hardship due to the current economical climate,” assistant Crown attorney Nila Mulpuru said.

Justice Deborah Austin called it a troubling pattern of repetitive shoplifting.

Kozlof apologized.

“I am sorry for my offences. I do look forward to going to probation and treatment and I do apologize to everybody,” he said.

With credit for about 79 days in pre-sentence custody, McFadden asked for a time-served sentence.

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“He’s hoping he can be released today,” he said Thursday.

The Crown countered with three months, which would’ve meant 11 more days behind bars. Mulpuru pointed out Kozlof had no prior adult criminal record, but noted repeated arrests and being temporarily held in police custody over the past three years hasn’t slowed him down.

“Really the only option is a lengthier period of custody,” she said. “That is the reasoning for presenting what would typically be considered a high position.”

Austin sided with the Crown due in part to a lack of a plan for somewhere for him to go when he’s released. The judge also added about $750 in restitution orders for the stolen goods and a one-year probation order, which bans Kozlof from contacting two women and going to the six stores.

“There are a number of businesses where you’re no longer welcome, Mr. Kozlof,” she said.

Other charges were withdrawn.

tbridge@postmedia.com

@ObserverTerry

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