Thief Convicted of Stealing Wheel Rims

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s office obtained a conviction against a man who stole wheel rims worth $1200 from a local business. Following a two-day trial, Esean Allen Phillips, 27, was convicted of Theft over $1000. After the jury returned their verdict, Judge Bob McGee set the case for sentencing on June 20.

At trial, Assistant District Attorney Nate Ogle explained to the jury that on April 27, 2015, Phillips went to Kadunza, a BMW repair shop located at 5308 Middlebrook Pike. Phillips asked the storeowner if he could test fit some new wheel rims on his vehicle. The owner agreed, but as soon as the wheels were placed on the car, Phillips left without paying. The owner was able to locate his stolen property in an ad posted on craigslist.

Theft over $1000 is a Class D felony that carries a punishment between two and four years.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.