Newly released surveillance video shows a prolific shoplifter arrested in downtown Seattle after he stole a 70-inch television from a Target store last month, which staff claim was his 22nd instance of theft in three months. 

Career criminal John Ray Lomack, who is believed to be homeless, was caught on camera eyeing the TV in the store, loading it into a shopping cart and walking out of the retailer without attempting to pay. 

He then drags the tube down the street, where he is met by police who advise him to ‘unhand the property’. Lomack declines, alleging he purchased the item – valued at nearly $750 and on sale for $600 – but was unable to provide a receipt.

Police attempt to arrest him, however, he resists and a ‘physical struggle’ ensues. He is eventually taken into custody and later charged with burglary, 770 KTTH Radio reported.

Judge Kuljinder Dhillon, who is notoriously lenient on homeless offenders, released Lomack without bond despite the fact that a King County prosecutor argued for a $5,000 bail due to his ‘warrant activity’ on his 32 prior cases. He has also been convicted of at least 18 felony and misdemeanor charges since 1985.  

On Wednesday, Lomack was back in court in front of Judge Melinda Young and released without bail again. The accused criminal was reportedly ‘medically unavailable’ after being exposed to COVID-19 and will ‘continue to quarantine until his quarantine period is done.’ It is unclear what charges he faced on Wednesday. 

Young, like Dhillon, also has a history of ‘going easy’ on homeless offenders. 

Lomack’s string of burglaries comes as cities across the nation – including New York City, San Francisco and Chicago – are experiencing large numbers of brazen thefts. Citizens are calling for reform as many city leaders and ‘woke’ prosecutors continue to take lenient stances on crime.

Career criminal John Ray Lomack, who is believed to be homeless, was caught on camera stealing a 70-inch television from a Target store last month, which staff claim was his 22nd instance of theft in three months

Career criminal John Ray Lomack, who is believed to be homeless, was caught on camera stealing a 70-inch television from a Target store last month, which staff claim was his 22nd instance of theft in three months

Ahead of Lomack’s most recent release, Gigi Huang, clinical supervisor at the Public Defender Association Equity Just Care Program, wrote a letter to the court arguing the convicted offender is a ‘model resident’. 

‘It is our belief that John will continue to show progress at a 24/7 transitional housing program and work closely with our counselors on site,’ she wrote.

However, the King County Prosecutor argued otherwise, citing concern over Lomack’s ‘pattern of repeat behavior.’

‘We’re concerned with the defendant’s pattern of repeat behavior and are concerned it’s going to continue,’ spokesperson Casey McNerthney told KTTH. 

‘We’re also concerned he’s unlikely to return to court with his extensive criminal history that includes warrant activity on 32 cases. Only a fraction of those cases [go] to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.’

McNerthrney noted that most shoplifting cases are referred to the city attorney’s office, but when there is a ‘extenuating circumstance like this case involving a prolific offender, we file a felony case.’ 

Police say Lomack loaded the television into a shopping cart and walked out of the retailer without attempting to pay

Police say Lomack loaded the television into a shopping cart and walked out of the retailer without attempting to pay

Police say Lomack loaded the television into a shopping cart and walked out of the retailer without attempting to pay

Lomack struggled as he attempted to get the tube out of the store

Lomack struggled as he attempted to get the tube out of the store

Lomack struggled as he attempted to get the tube out of the store

He then drags the tube down the street, where he is met by police who advise him to 'unhand the property'. Lomack declines, alleging he purchased the item - valued at nearly $750 - but was unable to provide a receipt

He then drags the tube down the street, where he is met by police who advise him to 'unhand the property'. Lomack declines, alleging he purchased the item - valued at nearly $750 - but was unable to provide a receipt

He then drags the tube down the street, where he is met by police who advise him to ‘unhand the property’. Lomack declines, alleging he purchased the item – valued at nearly $750 – but was unable to provide a receipt

Police attempt to arrest him, however, he resists and a 'physical struggle' ensues. He is eventually taken into custody and later charged with burglary

Police attempt to arrest him, however, he resists and a 'physical struggle' ensues. He is eventually taken into custody and later charged with burglary

Police attempt to arrest him, however, he resists and a ‘physical struggle’ ensues. He is eventually taken into custody and later charged with burglary

Lomack was banned from the Target store during the holiday season after he had reportedly stolen $6,000 worth of property since October. 

He was issued a trespass order after being arrested for shoplifting at the retailer on October 18. 

Police body camera footage revealed that Lomack refused to accept the ban from the store. 

‘I don’t want to talk to you bro,’ he told the officer, accusing him of being racist.

Officers warned him that he would face ‘leal consequences’ if he returned to the store and attempted to steal.  

‘I didn’t steal nothin’, man!’ Lomack responded. ‘No man! I didn’t burglarize nothin’. I’m not coming back to the store no more.’ 

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