The Associated Press

ELYRIA, Ohio - A candy thief has been ordered to pass out Halloween treats while wearing a sign saying "I'm sorry. I will not steal from children."

Edward Rivera, 23, pleaded guilty Monday to attempted robbery for stealing trick-or-treat candy from a 10-year-old boy last Halloween. Charges of assault and robbery were dropped.

Mr. Rivera, of Lorain, knocked the boy down before stealing his candy, said Lorain County Common Pleas Judge Edward Zaleski.

He ordered Mr. Rivera to wear the sign and a costume while he hands out candy at a Lorain hospital on Thursday.

He also placed Mr. Rivera on probation for three years.

"I have a habit of trying to make the punishment fit with the crime," Judge Zaleski said. "Usually I do it in the way of fines. I thought this would be appropriate, since last year he robbed a little 10-year-old of his candy."