Dentaltown October 2017 - 38

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What Would You Do?
After a teen patient gets caught stealing from him (and doesn't seem very penitent), a dentist in Texas asks
Townies for advice on whether to continue with treatment, press charges ... or both

davidpalmer
Member Since: 04/14/00
Post: 1 of 63

Rather than take a poll, I'd like a little advice on what to do ... Minor patient in active ortho
treatment recently got together with another local kid and went around breaking into vehicles
and stealing what they could find. This included my truck and they stole some sunglasses and
two Glocks!
They have been busted and about eight guns (handguns and one rifle) are being returned
(they sold some!). Dad came over yesterday with son and made son apologize. Frankly, it was
very weak. It appears he is not sorry, but just very sorry he got caught ...
What to do? Press charges? Continue treatment? Refer? I'm really at a loss here. ■
6/1/2017

NJDMD22
Member Since: 05/24/12
Post: 2 of 63

Press charges. Definitely a serious offense that included stealing firearms. Were they in a
lockbox in your car or in the console? I'm surprised the police wouldn't go after them harder for
illegal sale of a firearm. ■
6/1/2017

jpc36
Member Since: 05/10/02
Post: 4 of 63

Do you really have to press charges for him to be in trouble with the law? I'm all for second
chances, especially with teenagers, but theft and sale of firearms is way offsides. No way I would
continue treatment. I don't think I could give them my best after that. ■
6/1/2017

davidpalmer
Member Since: 04/14/00
Post: 5 of 63

Firearms in the console. It's Texas. If we had been home at the time and I saw what was going
on, they may have been killed. It's a frightening scenario. Police are going after them hard but it
is up to the individual to press charges. Police are recommending it. I see their point especially
since we're not talking bicycles here.
I know both these boys well. One worked some for me and the other played on a baseball
team I coached. I am so pissed and disappointed in them. I'm at least 6-8 months away from
completing ortho but I'm not sure if I can just say, "Screw you! Go somewhere else."
Maybe consult with an attorney? ■
6/1/2017

GulfDDS
Member Since: 10/24/03
Post: 6 of 63

If I knew the kid, I'd be at a loss to decide to press charges also. What about the other kid
involved? Was he the instigator? Maybe just press charges on that one and talk to your patient's
dad about some community service as well as maybe personal service on your behalf as his
punishment. But you can't just let it go. ■
6/1/2017

docgriz
Member Since: 08/06/05
Post: 7 of 63

Did the kid, your patient, know it was your truck parked at your house, or was it random
coincidence? If he knew it was you, I would definitely react in a different manner. ■
6/1/2017

davidpalmer
Member Since: 04/14/00
Post: 8 of 63

They both knew exactly whose truck it was and where I live. It's a small town. ■

OCTOBER 2017 // dentaltown.com

6/1/2017

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