Career Offender Convicted of Burglarizing Wal-Mart Again

For the second time in one month, prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Career Gang Unit obtained a conviction against a multi-convicted felon who burglarized Wal-Mart. Nikia Tnaha Bowens, 40, was convicted of Burglary and Theft. Bowens was convicted by a jury last month for another Burglary at a different Wal-Mart. After the jury returned their verdict, Judge Steve Sword set the case for sentencing on June 23.

At trial, Assistant District Attorney TaKisha Fitzgerald explained to the jury that on August 4, 2015, loss prevention officers at the Wal-Mart at 2501 University Commons Way watched Bowens conceal clothing and toiletries and exit the store without paying. Loss prevention officers testified that because of multiple previous thefts Bowens committed at Wal-Mart stores around Knox County, he was placed on the Wal-Mart no trespass list meaning he was no longer welcome on Wal-Mart property. According to records, Bowens was advised that he was on the no trespass list on at least ten prior occasions both verbally and in writing.

“”The plain language of the burglary statute clearly states that a person commits a burglary when they enter a building ‘without the effective consent of the property owner’,”” said DA Charme Allen.””When Mr. Bowens was placed on Wal-Mart’s no trespass list, he no longer had the effective consent of Wal-Mart to enter their property.””

Burglary is a Class D felony. Because Bowens has eleven prior felony convictions for Theft and Forgery offenses, he is facing twelve years in prison.

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.