A man with a history of nearly 150 arrests was taken into custody again, just weeks after being released due to New York's bail laws. Shaquan Seth, 40, was arrested Monday for allegedly attempting to steal approximately $800 worth of candles from a Target store in Queens, according to Queens prosecutors.
The alleged theft occurred at the Target on Jackson Avenue, a store Seth has frequented and where he was previously caught stealing $600 in candles in June. Prosecutors noted that Seth was already banned from the Jackson Avenue retailer.
Seth had been released on Aug. 7 because state law prohibits judges from setting bail for non-violent crimes such as petty larceny and burglary. However, this most recent arrest allowed prosecutors to invoke a stipulation in the bail laws known as "harm on harm." This allows for bail to be set in non-violent cases if the defendant has committed multiple crimes and caused harm or damaged property.
Prosecutors stated that Seth is accused of entering the store, loading 40 candles into a cart, and attempting to leave without paying. He has been charged with third-degree burglary and petty larceny.
During his arraignment, the Queens District Attorney's office requested that Seth be held without bail. Judge Jennifer Saint-Preux instead set bail at $10,000 cash or bond. Prosecutors also requested home confinement if bail is made. Online records indicate Seth is currently being held at Rikers Island.
