People v. Ortiz

The defendant, Angel Ortiz, was convicted in a bench trial of theft and sentenced to four years in prison. Defendant appeals on the ground that the State failed to establish the elements of the offense. Defendant also argues that the trial court applied an improper standard in finding him guilty.

Defendant was arrested and charged with burglary (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1985, ch. 38, par. 19 — 3) and theft by exerting unauthorized control over property (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1985, ch. 38, par. 16 — 1(a)). The charges arose out of a break-in at an apartment belonging to Peggy Grafft located at 1742 North…