State v. Casey's General Stores, Inc.

TERNUS, Justice.

This consolidated appeal involves simple misdemeanor convictions of two corporations whose employees sold alcoholic beverages to underage customers during a “sting” operation by the local police. The corporations argue they cannot be held criminally responsible for their employees’ actions under the circumstances presented. We agree and so reverse their convictions and remand for dismissal of the criminal charges.

I. Background, Facts and Proceedings.

The factual predicate for the charges at issue here is undisputed. Both appellants, Casey’s General Stores, Inc. and Hy-Vee,…