Authorities say 47-year-old Charles Shumanis III repeatedly stole lobsters and meat from Allentown-area supermarkets, including a botched March 1 theft that included a parking lot car-jacking.
Police say Shumanis stole meat and lobsters on two other occasions before he was confronted when he walked out of the store with $350 in lobsters.
A Lehigh County judge on Monday recommended Shumanis serve time at a state prison able to help him deal with his drug and alcohol problems.
Shumanis pleaded guilty in September to charges including retail theft and robbery of a motor vehicle.