Ex-Purdue dean gets probation for shoplifting

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP/WLFI) - A former associate dean at Purdue University will not serve jail time on shoplifting charges that cost him his job.

The Journal & Courier reports former associate dean of students Robert P. "Pablo" Malavenda was sentenced Wednesday to two years on probation after being caught using receipts for legitimately purchased items to return goods he hadn't paid for at a Walmart store last October.

Malavenda pleaded guilty last month to one count of theft. A misdemeanor count of conversion was dropped under a plea agreement.

Tippecanoe Superior Court Judge Les Meade said sending Malavenda to jail would not benefit him or the community and that Malavenda needs to continue weekly counseling.

The judge cited proof of good character and read letters from Malvenda's family and members of the community, 24-Hour News 8 news partner WLFI reports .

Malavenda estimated he has taken things that don't belong to him more than 30 times in his life. He told the judge that a therapist informally diagnosed him with obsessive compulsive disorder and kleptomania.