Speak out to the Napa DA in support of just punishment for felons who steal grapes

I absolutely agree that theft like this which also is fraud in representing that the grapes were from one area when not, fraud to the entire public, and it is opening the door to continue this behavior if you reduce to a misdemeanor- it is a slap on the wrist, acknowledging that it is not a serious crime when in fact it is!

Mr. Hill's intent was deliberate and his action planned. To reduce the charges against him, would only set a very bad precedent for any potential future offenders.

Thievery of any type is simply wrong and affront to every hard working individual affected. The punishment should be commensurate of the crime with no leniency.

Whether it be grapes, money or any other valuable, this is far beyond a misdemeanor. I am shocked that the District Attorney would even consider such a ridiculous option. The only reduction that might be of consideration is the amount of jail time. Tim Milaney, United States, Santa Rosa Valley, Ca.

Mr. Hill is a THEIF and should be treated as such, since when is Grand Theft considered a Misdemeanor ... He should not only be prosecuted and sentenced to the fullest but never allowed to do business in Napa County or the Wine Industry.. Make an example of this Crook and make him pay ...

This guy should be prosecuted with the FULL INTENT OF THE LAW. What is Napa now a city that doesn't put criminals in jail. Are we in SF???

Jeff Hill should be seriously prosecuted for this heinous crime.

Grand theft deserves prison time. What is the difference if it is wine or diamonds?

please don not let this crime go unpunished to the maximum penalty allowed by law.

A level of trust is an absolute necessity in the grower / vineyard management / vintner supply chain relationship. Any softening of consequences for the breech of that trust opens the door for bigger problems in the future that could cost the industry millions more in regulatory and administrative oversight.

I feel this guy needs to be prosecuted to the upmost of the law allows. If not this will continue.

Plainly and simply, Mr. Hill has admitted guilt for a crime that cost his victim to lose just south of one million dollars. If that is not a felony, I do not know what is. This individual should not only be incarcerated, he should be required to make restitution to his victim. One thing is for certain. In no way should his sentence be reduced to a misdemeanor.

Let the grand theft felonies stand! along with maximum penalty

I am a collector of 4500 bottles and this type of behavior with a misedenor conviction will cost the growers greatly in increased insurance and losses. this will increase the retail cost of wines unnecessarily if the crime benefit out ways the consequences.

This case will set a precendence. I believe he should pay the price for his actions.

PLEASE send him to jail for the maximum time allowed by law. He is a life long criminal and all he has received so far is a slap on the list. He STOLE close to a million dollars! I'm a small Grower/Vintner and if my grapes were stolen I'd be out of business. Once a thief always a thief. Please send him to jail.

As an attorney, it is my view that it is important to uphold the judicial system's obligation to punish those who commit serious crimes. Theft, in any form, is a serious violation of the law which must result in punishment to the fullest extent.

Mr. Hill is a crook, and based on his pattern of repeated and proven felonious actions, deserves the maximum sentence.

This case sets precdence. Please punish this felon. Thank you. Julia Smith - wine consumer

If Mr. Hill took $800,000 cash he would absolutely go to jail on a felony count. I don't see why he would be treated the same for stealing the equivalent in a raw material. Not sending him to jail will set a bad precedence going forward and give the impression anybody can steal up to $1 million in raw materials without the risk of going to jail.