State v. Hartfield

Meyer, J.;

Appellant Mitchell Hartfield (defendant) was found guilty in a trial by jury of criminal theft — K.S.A. 21-3701(a) — a class “D” felony.

On March 10, 1982, defendant and a companion were within the premises of the Target East Department Store in Wichita, Kansas. A private security officer observed both defendant and his companion placing store merchandise in their pockets.

When defendant and his companion exited the store without paying for this merchandise, they were met by a security officer who identified himself and asked both men to accompany him to the store’s security office.

As…