A man claims an addiction to crack cocaine is responsible for a string of crimes dating back to 1975. The Newark Advocate reported the crimes of Thomas K. Walker III. Walker was sentenced to 11 years in prison as a result of burglary, felony and failure to comply with a police officer.

In addition to these crimes, Walker had a long list of previous crimes, ranging from aggravated robbery and theft to drug trafficking and sexual conduct. Visiting Judge Jon Spahr noted that his record exceeds anyone’s imagination.

Walker had entered a Dollar Tree store with his hand in his pocket and demanded money. When an employee was unable to open the cash register, he attempted to do so himself. He then proceeded to another store where he told an employee he had a gun in his sock and demanded money. Walker was able to rob the business of $363.

According to Walker, he would not have committed the crimes if it were not for an addiction to crack cocaine. He claims he continues to be tied to the drug, despite several attempts to get help.

Walker claims to be truly sorry for what he did, but sympathies were not overly abundant in court. At the age of 53, many believe he has had plenty of chances to find and get help for his addiction.

The judge in this situation did not believe a non-prison sentence was appropriate, even though Walker was not accepted into the Licking-Muskingum Community Correction Center, which provides treatment in lieu of incarceration. Spahr believes the only true course of action that is best is to protect the public from Walker.