Pawning Then Retrieving Stolen Merchandise

[tomtom7788]

Hey its me again and i took some action of my own. Anyways in the beginning my friend stole a watch that cost over $1000. After 2 weeks, I then sold it to a pawn shop for $300. The pawn took my pictures, fingerprints, etc. just like any other pawn place would do. After 2 days, i wanted to get the watch back to return it to the right owner. Then of course theres interest to get the watch back, so i had to wait for my next paycheck. after a week, i went to claim the watch back for $375. Now i have the watch and i don't know what to do from here. I was thinking about going to the cops and tell them something like "i found the watch and i sold it but i got it back later, after realizing that this watch couldive been reported. So i came here to ask if you can help me find the owner of this watch before i can claim it." It's been like a month and i haven't been caught so maybe the people didn't report that their watch was stolen. Or maybe it takes time. What should i do from here? And whats the worst that can happen to me?

[tomtom7788]

P.S. i am 18 in state of Georgia and my record is completely clean. This is my very first time.

[tomtom7788]

Hey this is me again. Like i said earlier, i retrieved the watch back from the pawn shop. Just to make the summary short. I have posted earlier that im 18 and i sold the watch exceeding $500 knowing that it was stolen. I retireved the watch back and i did researching. I found out that Georgia Code - Crimes and Offenses - Title 16, Section 16-8-7 states that " (a) A person commits the offense of theft by receiving stolen property when he receives, disposes of, or retains stolen property which he knows or should know was stolen unless the property is received, disposed of, or retained with intent to restore it to the owner. 'Receiving' means acquiring possession or control or lending on the security of the property.

(b) In any prosecution under this Code section it shall not be necessary to show a conviction of the principal thief.
"

does that mean i can go to the police station to return the watch back? since i retrieved it to restore it to the right owner? Please give me some comments. Thank you

[4eyedbuzzard]

STOP!!! I would definitely NOT go to the police!

It is good you want to set this straight and correct the problem, but returning the merchandise now doesn't get rid of the prior act of participating in receiving it and pawning it.

If you do go to the police they will likely arrest and charge you for the initial crime even though you are now scared of getting caught and are remorseful.

You should see a lawyer before proceeding.

[tomtom7788]

Thanks a lot. And i was thinking of calling a lawyer or w/e for some informations. I jsut want to ask questions like i posted above. What will happen if i do? Will the lawyer take it seriously and take action or will they just give me advice?

[4eyedbuzzard]

Your lawyer can arrange to have the property returned to its rightful owner(if you know who it is) without disclosing your identity. And should you ever be charged, this would be in your favor.

Returning the property does not stop the police from investigating the original crime.

[tomtom7788]

So what should i do? Do you think i should just sit and wait for something to happen? If i do, i belive i get charged with possession of stolen property since the watch is in my hands?

[4eyedbuzzard]

If the police aren't investigating, chances are nothing will ever come of it. But there is a record of the watch with your name at the pawn. Who knows what wil happen?

But, it's up to you. Your problem. You created the situation. You're an adult. Do what lets you sleep better at night.

Your realistic choices are do nothing and sit and wait or get an attorney to return the watch for you.

[tomtom7788]

My friends robbed a house and took item"s" and one of my friends from that group took the watch. Of course knowing this situation, i sold it at the pawn 2 weeks after. After another 2 weeks, i bought back the watch. Its been like a month since this incident. Maybe i should just sit and wait. How long do you think i can sit and wait until maybe? One of my friend said forever. Not sure.

[tomtom7788]

Can the owner of the stolen property report it to the cops even after like 3 years after the incident? And if i do get caught in the rules of georgia, whats the least and worst situation i can get into? I was wondering if you can help me with these questions before i take action. Thank you.