ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times

DATE: Thursday, December 21, 1995            TAG: 9512210085
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: C4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By DIANE STRUZZI STAFF WRITER 

MAN GETS 90 DAYS FOR THEFTS HE FORGOT

A former Roanoke County department head charged with taking hundreds of items from his job was sentenced to 90 days in jail Wednesday.

Sherman "Red" Cable, a county radio supervisor for 20 years, was convicted last month of three counts of grand larceny. Police estimate that he stole nearly $8,000 in tools, equipment and machinery during the last decade. He faced up to 60 years in prison.

Cable's defense focused on a psychiatrist's report that indicated the 65-year-old Salem man may be in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. According to testimony, Cable did not remember that he had taken hundreds of items, including an air conditioner, numerous socket sets and a volt meter.

"I took some of the items," Cable testified Wednesday. "I really don't know why I took them. It'd be poor judgment or lack of remembering."

Circuit Court Judge Roy Willett questioned the explanation.

"You've been committing thievery against your employer, who held you in trust, for over 10 years," the judge told Cable. "I cannot understand anyone saying how you accidentally took an air conditioner. ... It makes no sense to me."

An anonymous tipster called Roanoke County Commonwealth's Attorney Skip Burkart last spring, alerting him to the thefts. When officers searched Cable's home, they found the stolen items cluttering hallways - most still packaged and unused.

Cable's attorney, Morgan Griffith, argued that his client should be placed on probation, since there was no evidence that he expected to sell the stolen items.

"If the court feels a stronger punishment is necessary, I'd suggest house arrest," Griffith said, adding that his client was not a threat to the community.

Willett did not agree.

"If some young person came in here, you'd know what he would have gotten," Willett said. "I'm not willing to send the signal that you're a relatively important person so you don't get the same result."

Willett also sentenced Cable to 250 hours of community service. He is scheduled to report to Roanoke County Jail on Jan. 3.

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