Man Faces Justice After Multiple Thefts from Circle K Store

A man has been sentenced after stealing more than $300 worth of merchandise from a Circle K convenience store in Ontario. Joshua Sleeman targeted the store on McNabb Street three times in a single day, April 7, 2023, according to assistant Crown attorney Adrianna Mucciarelli.

Sleeman, 40, took items off the shelves, placed them into a bag, and exited the store without paying. Two of the thefts occurred within approximately ten minutes of each other. The total value of the stolen goods was nearly $325, although the specific items taken were not disclosed.

In addition to the Circle K thefts, Sleeman was also charged with stealing around $30 worth of goods from Rome’s Your Independent Grocer on June 26, 2023. He pleaded guilty to these thefts, along with two breaches of a release order and five breaches of probation.

Sleeman was under a court order to avoid the Circle K store. He initially reported to probation but ceased attending, as noted by Mucciarelli. Defense counsel Eric McCooeye stated that substance use issues have been driving Sleeman’s criminal behavior. He warned that if Sleeman continues to return to court, he risks facing longer sentences. “He needs to get his addiction under control. He needs a less chaotic life,” McCooeye advised, emphasizing the importance of stable housing in Sleeman’s rehabilitation.

Ontario Court Justice Heather Mendes accepted a joint recommendation from both Mucciarelli and McCooeye. Sleeman received a one-day sentence, which was credited as time served. He had already spent 127 days in pre-sentence custody, bringing his total time served to 191 days.

As part of his sentence, Sleeman will be on probation for twelve months. Conditions of his probation prohibit him from returning to Circle K and Rome’s Your Independent Grocer. He is also required to make restitution to both businesses for the items he stole. Additionally, he must provide a DNA sample and undergo counseling as directed, and he is barred from possessing any weapons.

Sleeman expressed remorse during the court proceedings, stating, “I apologize for everything I’ve done.” He indicated a desire to avoid further legal troubles in the future.