CLEVELAND — A Cleveland teen who was accused of stealing a valuable puppy from a Parma pet store in March pleaded guilty to charges including aggravated theft, court records show.
After plea negotiations with Cuyahoga County prosecutors, Markeze Williams, 18, withdrew previous pleas of not guilty and admitted to aggravated theft and obstructing justice on Thursday.
Williams was accused of stealing a 9-week-old Old English bulldog valued over $6,000 from a Petland store in Parma on March 9. Surveillance video showed Williams enter one of the store's socialization rooms and leave about a minute later with the dog tucked under his arm.
The store's manager told police Williams had asked to see a French bulldog before pointing out the Old English bulldog.
Williams is scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday morning.
As part of the plea agreement, Williams is banned from all Petland stores. The state requested Williams pay $6,500 in restitution to the store.
