State v. Sorensen

STEWART, Justice:

Defendant appeals from his conviction based upon a jury verdict of guilty on four counts of theft. We reverse.

The transactions giving rise to the criminal charges in this case arose from defendant’s formation of Western Heritage, Inc. (“W.H.I.”), for the purpose of assisting clients in establishing retail franchising operations. Defendant was the corporation’s chairman of the board and its manager-director.

On April 4, 1978, David Candland and Lester Thatcher of Oregon contacted W.H.I. seeking property, financing, and professional assistance for an “Apple Dumplin’ ” restaurant…