While I’m sitting here encoding LPs to iPod-ready tracks, I decided to do a little research into the various offenses my “person of interest” might be charged with.
First, we have “Theft in the second degree — Other than firearm”, reserved for goods valued at between two hundred fifty and one thousand five hundred dollars.
Next we have Possessing stolen property in the second degree — Other than firearm. I’m not sure if this applies, but I can’t find the section about sales of stolen property. But to sell a physical item, it stands to reason someone has possession of it. So we’ll leave that in.
By certifying that they were the owner, the person of interest has run afoul of Revised Code of Washington 9.38.020 false representation concerning title.
RCW 9A.82.050, Trafficking in stolen property, would seem to cover the sale of a stolen item.
My father was convinced on hearing the details that this was all about getting money for drugs (living in Florida these last 30 years would give him some insight there, unfortunately): all in all, it looks to be an expensive buzz.