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Man faces life in prison for stealing $31 worth of candy bars

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NEW ORLEANS -- A man faces life in prison for stealing candy.

Jacobia Grimes is accused of taking $31 worth of candy bars from a store in Louisiana.

Grimes has five prior theft convictions.

Under state law, that makes him eligible for a harsher sentence ranging from 20 years to life.

Orleans Parish prosecutors chose to charge Grimes under that statute.

“Isn’t this a little over the top,” said Judge Franz Zibilich at the arraignment. “Twenty years to life for a Snickers bar, or two or three or four.”

Grimes’ attorneys say all their clients thefts were for less than $500.

Stolen items include socks and pants from a Dollar General store.