PORTLAND, Ore. — A man accused of repeatedly stealing from Plaid Pantry stores in Portland was indicted by a grand jury on 58 counts — then released from jail just one day later, only to allegedly reoffend almost immediately.
The case has frustrated the retailer, worried store clerks, and exposed what the Multnomah County district attorney calls a strained and imperfect justice system.
Surveillance video shows how quickly the burglaries could happen. In the footage, the suspect calmly walks behind the counter at Plaid Pantry, grabbing armfuls of cigarettes and cigars before walking out…