The Atlantic City man accused of stealing from Sister Jean’s Kitchen was ordered held Thursday. Wayne Branham, 54, had six pending charges including shoplifting. “There are no conditions this defendant will abide by,” Assistant Prosecutor Brett Yore told the judge. Branham is seen in surveillance video inside Sister Jean’s on March 7, with a shopping cart filled with plastic bags, Yore said. “The actions of this defendant are an affront to charitable contributors across the country,” Yore said. But defense attorney Sarah Weinstock said Branham is disabled and had previously received treatment at AtlantiCare Behavioral Health. “He was doing well when medicated,” she said. His charges “all came at a time when he was not receiving treatment.” Weinstock also said Branham’s alleged crime should not be treated differently because of who the victim was. “The victim not only was Sister Jean’s Kitchen, but also all the recipients of the charity,” Judge Benjamin Podolnick said. The public safety assessment that is done under bail reform suggested Branham be held. He received a four out of six for failure to appear and a six out of six for likelihood of committing another crime. Weinstock said there could be some issues with the case, including identifying Branham. The perpetrator was described as being between 5-foot-10 and 6-foot-2. Branham is 5 feet, 6 inches tall. “Evidence in the case is substantial,” Podolnick said. The judge did order a task evaluation to see about Branham’s mental fitness. Branham previously served two prison sentences for burglaries.
